RP 96 · Robert Parker
The Hershey Vineyard located on Howell Mountain produced a stunning wine in 2010. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard’s opaque purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of pen ink, blackberries and creme de cassis. It is full-bodied, rich and pure, with the oak, acidity and tannins well-integrated. This limited production, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (114 cases) should drink well for 20-25 years. Proprietor Hi Sang Lee has resurrected this once historic estate in Rutherford where the winery was first constructed in 1883 by H. W. Helms. There are four cuvees as of 2010, the Crystal Springs Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford, the Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain and the Lotus Vineyard in Napa Valley. They also produce a wine called Onda, which is meant to be a more forward styled, lower priced effort. Kudos to Hi Sang Lee and his son for resurrecting this historic estate.