Hundred Acre, Morgan's Way Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2021

Overview of the Wine
A relatively new (cult) domaine, only established in 2000 by the flamboyant winemaker Jayson Woodbridge from Canada in St. Helena (Napa Valley -  California). A specialist “pur sang” who produces high quality wines from principally Cabernet Sauvignon.

The name “Hundred Acre” has been derived from “Hundred Acre Wood”, where Winnie the Pooh and his friends were living. Jayson Woodbridge, who used to be an investment banker, first bought the “Kayli Morgan” vineyard (3,6 Ha) in Howell Mountain already in the 1990’s. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon saw his debut in 2000.

Further acquisitions were the “Ark Vineyard” (6 Ha) and a very small, but well-situated hillside parcel of only 2 Ha, just above the historic “Eisele Vineyard” near Calistoga. His approach in winemaking has been very serious. The vineyards are in excellent condition. Only 1 grape cluster per vine is allowed, so the pruning is very extensive, and the yields are extremely low. During harvest time, at least 5 passes are made through the vineyards and all grapes are hand sorted and selected. He uses new French oak barrels to age his wines for a period of at least 24 months (some of special cuvées age even 36 -42 months!).

Since 2004, a new project has been started in Barossa Valley (Australia), to produce some extraordinary wines from the Shiraz grape. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to lay your hands onto some bottles unless you are on the mailing list. Furthermore, some of his wines received the perfect score in certain vintages, so his collection of wines is in high demand.

Grape / Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker Tasting Notes
Dense aromas of black cherry compote, violet, and cedar rise from the glass, joined by nuances of graphite, cocoa, and warm baking spice. The palate delivers layers of ripe dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins, with remarkable mid-palate weight and a persistent, resonant finish. A modern Napa Cabernet that balances plush fruit with elegant structure.

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
One of the more perfumed, elegant wines, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Morgan's Way reveals a deep ruby/plum hue as well as incredible red and black fruit, new leather, pressed flowers, graphite, and loamy earth. It's full-bodied and powerful, yet also ethereal and weightless. As with all of Woodbridge’s wines, it’s going to age gracefully.

100 Points - Wine Independent
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Morgan's Way Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon needs a lot of shaking to wake up savory scents of beef drippings, black olives, and Indian spices, leading to a core of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries, and mulberries. Full-bodied, the palate is densely laden with energetic, muscular black and blue fruit flavors, supported by firm, granular tannins and perfectly balanced freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. (LPB)

98 Points - Decanter
Shimmering like a finely cut ruby jewel, this wine exudes elegant raspberry and black cherry fruit, underscored by white pepper and intense iron-and-graphite-like minerality. Blood orange and lavender stem notes intermix with black liquorice and charred sagebrush, creating a complex bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses energy and muscularity, a perfect epitome of power and grace, much like a ballet dancer in motion. These 2021 Hundred Acre wines are incredibly pure, precise, and ethereal. While I can describe the flavours and textures, it almost feels unnecessary—this wine is beautiful, elegant, and mighty in every way. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is sourced from Hundred Acre’s estate Morgan’s Way vineyard (formerly Kayli Morgan), a 3.6-hectare site situated north of St. Helena on the eastern side of Silverado Trail, at the base of Howell Mountain. The vineyard is named after Jayson Woodbridge’s daughter, Morgan, and the wine is aged for at least 30 months in extremely fine, centre-cut French oak barriques with ultra-tight graining. (JC)

Product size: 750ml