Hossfeld Coliseum Block Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

Hossfeld Vineyard was established in 1981 by Henry and Susan Hossfeld who oversaw every detail of transforming their craggy hillside from blowing dynamite in each individual vine hole, to choosing the rootstock and clonal selections that would fill them. When first discovered, the hill-scape lay wild and overgrown with native flora and fauna, i.e. lots of poison oak. The original idea for this property was to plant kiwi orchards. This was quickly thrown to the wayside with the notion that this site, with its afternoon breeze, pure bedrock soil and elevated location, could be put to better use. It was here that the family tradition of growing grapes was started. A hidden gem estate in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, Hossfeld Vineyards is family owned and operated, spanning 22 acres and comprised of 8 individual blocks with varying exposures and carefully selected varietals. By managing their own farming, they impart their Hossfeld culture into agriculture, respecting the synergy of nature and sustainable farming. The vineyard blocks are joined with undeveloped meadows, insectaries and native patches of forest. 

This extreme hillside vineyard is perched high above the valley floor, nestled between the Stags Leap and Atlas Peak AVAs. Originally planted to the five Bordeaux varietals in 1981, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the Hossfeld Family has remained loyal stewards to these varieties to this day. Now under second generation leadership, they continue the same dedication to the land through wine growing that has made the Napa Valley exceptional by so many before them. Their passion is growing superb quality grapes and producing exceptional wine while spicing up the valley from a ‘highlanders’ perspective. The variations in temperature are extreme on the hillside, but the vines are hearty and have translated this intensity into expansive aromatics. This 2018 Coliseum Block Cabernet is deeply layered and well-structured, complemented by freshness with layered rhubarb, violets and silky tannins. Drink with a seared steak from the BBQ, madeira sauce and roasted potatoes!