2022 Stony Hill SHV Cabernet Sauvignon

95 POINTS: The 2022 wines were produced by Reid Griggs, formerly of MacDonald Vineyard, Dalla Valle and Harlan, and he brings a deep understanding of how to craft great Cabernet. This bottling comes from the top of Stony Hill Ranch. In a tasting with Carlton McCoy and Griggs, they explained that the east-facing ranch comprises three distinct soil types: bright, iron-rich volcanic soils at the top; shale through the mid-slope; and sandstone at the base. This wine is drawn from Cote Rouge at the summit, the most sun-exposed parcel and typically the most opulent. Here, they achieve full physiological ripeness at relatively low Brix. In 2022, the wine shows a distinctly ripe fruit profile, yet remains elegant and compact, with extraordinary focus, precision and tension. The graphite character is pronounced, layered with rich cedarwood nuance, though without the overripe tones one might expect from the vintage. A subtle touch of agave nectar appears on the palate, supported by impressive texture and firm tannin grip.