Baker & Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2022

“From proprietor Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch, Baker & Hamilton is a label that honors his great-great-grandfather, R.M. Hamilton, who, alongside L.L. Baker, supplied tools and provisions to California’s Gold Country miners and ranchers in 1849 and beyond. As for the wine, it’s a fine, dark-fruited, elegantly spiced red, with gentle tannins building on its full-bodied palate. Notes of graphite and loamy earth emerge on the extended finish, giving it depth and structure. Compared to the Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet, this vintage is juicier, more fruit-forward, yet still maintains refinement and balance.”

“An approachable young cabernet sourced from a great vineyard, Vine Hill Ranch. It offers charming red fruit, black cherries, dark spices and silky, polished tannins. Raspberries, light oak toast, cardamom and cinnamon. It is long, focused and elegant. Drink now or hold.”

“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon boldly bursts from the glass with up-front scents of crushed black cherries, boysenberry preserves, and blueberry pie, leading to hints of anise, sandalwood, and dusty soil. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with black and blue fruit preserves flavors, supported by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.”

“Very similar to the 2021 on the nose, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up red and black cherries framed by hints of vanilla and modest cedar shadings. It's medium to full-bodied, velvety and open-knit, maybe just a touch coarser in texture than the 2021 on the finish. That's a quibble; this is still very drinkable stuff.”

“The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolute delight. Bright, vibrant and focused, this Cabernet is all class. A rush of red/purplish fruit, lavender and sweet spice caresses the palate. Best of all, the 2022 offers superb drinkability and tons of sheer appeal. Although not heavily promoted as such, the Baker & Hamilton is Bruce and Heather Phillips' more accessible wine from Vine Hill Ranch.”

“Coming all from the Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard (it's basically the second wine of the estate), the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep ruby/plum hue as well as solid varietal notes of darker currants, sappy herbs, cedar pencil, chocolate and underbrush. I love its aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a concentrated, structured mouthfeel, building tannins, and a good finish. Give bottles 2-3 years to let the tannins integrate and enjoy bottles over the following decade.”