Bac Hills

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The Wine

We make one wine. A 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon, clones 319 and 412, drawn off the steepest part of our slope above the bay.

The fruit is hand-harvested across small picks, fermented in small lots, and raised in new French oak for up to twenty-three months before bottling. We farm without pesticides; the vines are stressed by stone and short water, and the berries come in small and dense.

Each vintage is its own season. We do not try to make the same wine twice.

Bac Hills 2014 bottle on Emerson volumes with poured glasses, library setting
The Vintages
2021

Growing Season

[Growing-season notes for 2021 — to be added.]

Tasting Notes

Released. Tasting notes forthcoming.

2018

Growing Season

The 2018 wine growing season on Mt. Veeder in California proved to be a dynamic chapter in our viticultural story. The year began with a cooler, wetter winter that replenished the soil and bolstered the vines with essential moisture. Spring arrived with moderate temperatures, fostering a slow and steady bud break, delaying the growing season slightly. The summer months unveiled a delightful balance of warm days and cool evenings, a hallmark of Mt. Veeder’s microclimate. This unique weather pattern allowed for a longer maturation period, resulting in grapes with remarkable concentration and complexity. Towards the end of the season, a temperate autumn extended the hang time, permitting the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. The meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard—coupled with the interplay of climatic elements—yielded wines that exhibit an exquisite harmony, with well-defined structure, vibrant fruit, and the distinct terroir of Mt. Veeder encapsulated in every bottle of the 2018 vintage.

Tasting Notes

Released. Tasting notes forthcoming.

2016

Growing Season

The 2016 growing season in Napa, California, showcased the region’s unique terroir and vintners’ expertise. Napa Valley, known for its exceptional wines, experienced an ideal weather pattern that year. A wet winter replenished the soil with water reserves for the vines, followed by a mild and consistent bud break in spring.

Mt. Veeder’s higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and volcanic soils allowed for a longer growing season, promoting balanced vine growth and exceptional grape flavor development. Winemakers carefully nurtured the fruit through the warm summer months, resulting in wines that capture the essence of Mt. Veeder—rich flavors, structured tannins, and a true reflection of the region’s terroir.

Tasting Notes

Delight in the extraordinary flavors of our impeccably crafted 2016 vintage. This wine embodies the brightness of confectionary strawberry with a delightful hint of spice, creating a playful and inviting aroma. Its exceptional smoothness on the palate is a true testament to the meticulous craftsmanship behind this creation. Revealing a deep, luxuriant color while maintaining a light and graceful demeanor, this wine exudes elegance and perfection in every sip.

Primary NotesThe palate is graced with the bright and delightful flavors of confectionary strawberry, offering a burst of playful sweetness, beautifully complemented by a subtle hint of spice.

TextureThe wine’s exceptional smoothness on the palate elevates the tasting experience, allowing the flavors to dance with grace and finesse.

FinishThe finish is elegant and perfect, reflecting the wine’s overall character with a touch of sophistication.

The 2016 vintage is a masterpiece that embodies elegance and perfection. From its inviting aroma to the smooth texture and delightful flavor profile, this wine presents a harmonious balance that is nothing short of exceptional. Its deep, luxuriant color is a visual treat, offering a glimpse into the richness that awaits in every sip.

2015

Growing Season

The 2015 growing season in Napa, California, was exceptional, especially for Mount Veeder. With near-perfect weather, including warm days and cool evenings, ideal conditions prevailed for grape cultivation. This climate allowed for even ripening, resulting in wines with exceptional flavor and balanced acidity.

Mount Veeder, in the southern part of Napa Valley, flourished during this season, showcasing its unique terroir. The higher elevation and volcanic soils contributed to grape maturation. The resulting 2015 vintage from Mount Veeder exhibited intense flavors, deep color, and harmonious tannins, making it a sought-after and celebrated year.

Tasting Notes

Experience the opulent flavors of our 2015 vintage, a true representation of our commitment to excellence. This wine embodies the essence of rich, ripe fruit that gracefully mingles with subtle notes of leather and spice. Its smooth, velvety texture caresses the palate, revealing a deep black cherry essence that will captivate your senses. The mild tannins are impeccably balanced, with a subtle hint of pepper on the finish, ensuring a truly memorable tasting experience.

Primary NotesThe palate is greeted with the luxurious taste of deep black cherry, embodying the ripe fruit at its peak of flavor.

TextureThe wine’s smooth and velvety texture enhances the overall tasting experience, allowing the flavors to unfold with grace and finesse.

FinishThe finish is characterized by mild tannins that are perfectly balanced, complemented by a subtle hint of pepper that adds a touch of spice and depth.

The 2015 vintage epitomizes sophistication and richness, presenting a wine that beautifully balances the lusciousness of ripe fruit with nuanced notes of leather and spice. Its smooth, elegant character and well-managed tannins make it a standout choice, inviting you to savor the depth and complexity of this exceptional wine.

2014

Growing Season

The 2014 growing season in Napa, California, was a remarkable year that left an indelible mark on the region’s viticulture landscape, and particularly so on the prestigious Mount Veeder AVA. The season was characterized by optimal weather conditions that proved ideal for grape cultivation. A mild winter was followed by a warm and dry spring, promoting early bud break and consistent flowering. These factors set the stage for an extended and evenly paced growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop optimal flavors, colors, and aromas.

The 2014 vintage from Mount Veeder remains a standout, showcasing the region’s ability to produce wines that capture the essence of its distinct terroir.

Tasting Notes

Discover the captivating flavors of our meticulously crafted 2014 vintage. This wine offers a delightful interplay of bright red fresh fruit and a distinct earthy, savory aroma that will transport you to the heart of the vineyard. The essence of cranberry and red currant dances on the palate, creating a vibrant and enchanting tasting experience. Immerse yourself in its smooth texture that glides effortlessly, leaving you with a lasting, leathery finish.

Primary NotesThe prominent flavors of cranberry and red currant dominate the palate, lending a lively and fruity character to the wine.

TextureThe wine offers a silky-smooth texture, enveloping the taste buds in a luxurious embrace, showcasing its well-aged and finely balanced nature.

FinishThe finish is long and leathery, leaving a lasting impression that is both elegant and satisfying.

The 2014 vintage is a testament to the art of aging, presenting a wine that has matured beautifully, offering a perfect balance and an exquisite tasting experience. This well-crafted wine is at its peak, inviting you to savor the magic of the moment.

Bac Hills wine glasses with engraved Bacchus crest
Bac Hills vineyard rows at golden hour, Mount Veeder

The wines are released by allocation only. To be considered for the list, request an allocation.