“Kathryn Hall” Release Party – HALL Wines, Napa Valley

Wine tasting at the world-class vineyards of Napa Valley is an unparalleled experience and for lovers and collectors of lush, dark, jammy cabernets, HALL Wines is a must. Last weekend I was fortunate to be able to attend the “Kathryn Hall”Release Party at HALL Wines in St. Helena. Each year, Kathryn and Craig Hall, owner/vitners at HALL Wines, and all of the HALL team eagerly await harvest season so they can celebrate the release of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon that is defined by its dark, dense and delicious Sacrashe vineyard fruit.

This year’s theme was a country “hoe down” with fabulous food, music by Twang Ditty, dancing and plenty of “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon for all. Energy was high and the good times were rollin’ on the Great Lawn surrounded by sweeping vineyard vistas, expressive contemporary art and architecture and, of course, HALL’s award-winning wines with the star being free-flowing tastes of  97+ points of winemaking excellence that is the 2012 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon.

Whimsical sculptures by François-Xavier Lalanne and John Baldessari.

Located at the historic Bergfeld Vineyard at the base of the Mayacama Mountains, HALL St. Helena is a vibrant, 33-acre property off of Highway 29. Guests to the winery are greeted by a gleaming stainless steel, not-so-little (35 ft. tall) “Bunny Foo-Foo” and instantly experience a one of a kind destination. With daily offerings including the signature HALLmark tour, guests have a choice of winery tours and tastings for the novice wine drinker to the expert cab collector. With over 35 pieces of contemporary art, this 150 year old site has something for everyone – wine, art, history, architecture, technology, lush landscaping and a Great Lawn for relaxing and unwinding.

Find out the story behind “Little Bunny Foo-Foo”, by Lawrence Argent, when you visit.

Avid lifelong art collectors, Craig and Kathryn Hall Wine delight in sharing expressive art and their fine wines with guests. The Art Exploration experience at HALL St. Helena is perfect for an in-depth tour of the art collection on the property. Featuring some of the most internationally acclaimed artists today, such as John Baldessari, Jim Campbell, Nick Cave, Jaume Plensa, guests are guided through the collection, while tasting some of HALL’s amazing wines.

“Sanaa” by Jaume Plensa

“Because Nothing Has Changed” – Anya Gallaccio sculpture

My day at HALL was extra special because I met up with the lovely Nancy Grossi, who pens the blog Churned in Cali | The Wife of a Dairyman, for the first time since we, and a few other California girls, took Idaho by storm during a potato harvest trip in 2013. It was so great to see you, Nancy!

2012 HALL “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon – BUY NOW
97+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

HALL Wines represents critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from two Napa Valley tasting rooms and winery locations in both St. Helena and Rutherford. Owned by Craig & Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals. HALL’s highly rated wines include the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, selected as Wine Spectator’s #18 of the ‘Top 100’ in 2010, the HALL 2008 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon that earned #2 Wine Spectator “Top 100” Wines, and its 2010 ‘Exzellenz’ earned 100 points by Robert Parker. Collectively, over 140 HALL Wines have been rated 90 points and above.

Cheers!