Baker & Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2021

The Baker & Hamilton story is one rich in California history and heritage. Long before the Phillips family took ownership of this historic site, the land that would become Vine Hill Ranch boasted vineyards, stone fruit, and walnut orchards planted as far back as 1884. Bruce Kelham purchased VHR in the mid-1950s and turned the ranch's focus to growing grapes for superior wines. In 1978, Bob & Alex Phillips (Bruce’s parents) relocated their family to Vine Hill Ranch and dove deep into the grape-growing business. They continued the development of the vineyards with the help of vineyard manager Mike Wolf, establishing a reputation for impeccable Cabernet Sauvignon and selling fruit to many notable Napa wineries. Bruce knew the natural next step in his family's legacy was to introduce winemaking, with the mindset of making a "grower's wine." He convinced Françoise Peschon to join the team, and together, they released the first vintage of VHR's estate Cabernet in 2008. Françoise trusted the Phillips family's dedication to the land, which inspired her with a chance to craft a wine with a true sense of place. Today, Vine Hill Ranch is unquestionably one of the most esteemed vineyards in all of Napa Valley. The name equates to both quality and timeless style. So why create something new when everything seems to already be working?

Just as Mascot is to Harlan, Impetuous is to Checkerboard, Double Diamon is to Schrader, and M. Etain is to Scarecrow, the Pillips Family launched Baker  & Hamilton as the second label to their famed Vine Hill Ranch. Made from the same vines by the talented Françoise Peschon, this truly is your access to VHR for a third of the price. Françoise's style is consciously restrained in an effort to let the fruit speak for itself.  100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard aged 23 months in French oak, 85% of which was new. The wine is refined with a medium to full body draped in luscious dark fruits, red florals, and savory notes of cedar and tobacco. Impressive and a touch indulgent, with silky tannins that will undoubtedly continue to soften as the years' pass.  The Baker & Hamilton Cabernet is the first new project from Vine Hill Ranch with Françoise in over a decade and one you don’t want to miss out on!  Having tasted the flagship wine from VHR, the Baker & Hamilton demonstrates a distinct familial resemblance that is rewarding now and will age beautifully for decades to come.