To Kalon Vineyard Co. 2019 HWC Cabernet Sauvignon

A benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable authority and refinement, the 2019 HWC delivers extraordinary concentration wrapped in precision and elegance. Deeply expressive yet impeccably controlled, this wine embodies the pinnacle of To Kalon fruit—layered, seamless, and built for long-term cellaring.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Sourced from the historic To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley, the 2019 HWC Cabernet Sauvignon represents the apex selection from the revered HWC (Haskell–Winograd–Craig) vineyard block. This site is celebrated for its gravelly, well-drained soils and optimal exposure, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional intensity, structure, and aromatic purity.

The fruit was meticulously hand-harvested at peak physiological ripeness, followed by careful sorting and controlled fermentation designed to preserve vineyard expression. Extended maceration was employed to build depth, color, and finely grained tannins. The wine was then aged in a high proportion of new French oak barrels for an extended maturation, allowing the formidable structure of the vintage to integrate seamlessly with refined spice, cedar, and polished texture. Every decision reflects a philosophy of restraint, precision, and reverence for one of Napa Valley’s most legendary terroirs.

Critics Reviews
Wine Advocate awards the 2019 HWC Cabernet Sauvignon 98 points, describing it as “a profoundly layered and harmonious wine, offering waves of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, crushed stone, and graphite. The palate is full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with ripe yet restrained tannins and a finish that unfolds effortlessly for over a minute.”

James Suckling scores the wine 97 points, praising its “incredible purity and depth,” noting aromas of “blackberries, cassis, violets, graphite, and subtle cedar.” He highlights the palate for its “ultra-fine tannins, exceptional length, and a sense of calm power that defines great To Kalon Cabernet.”

Wine Spectator also awards 97 points, calling it “rich yet beautifully proportioned,” with “dense cassis, dark plum, and espresso notes framed by polished oak and vibrant acidity.” The review emphasizes the wine’s “long, structured finish and impressive aging potential.”

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points: "In the same qualitative ballpark as the Eliza's, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon H.W.C has everything you could want from Napa Cabernet, revealing a dense purple hue, incredible black raspberry and cassis fruit, full-bodied richness, velvety tannins, and remarkable complexity in its spicy, floral, violet, and tobacco-laced aromatics. Despite being a big, rich Cabernet, it has a solid sense of freshness and stays light and graceful, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Don't miss it."

Across critics, the 2019 HWC is consistently characterized as a reference-point Napa Cabernet—combining site-driven intensity with finesse, balance, and longevity.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Intensely aromatic, revealing blackcurrant liqueur, ripe blackberry, and dark cherry layered with violet, graphite, cigar box, and finely integrated oak spice.

Palate:
Powerful yet refined, the palate delivers concentrated black fruit, plum reduction, and cassis supported by velvety tannins. Notes of cocoa, espresso, crushed stone, and subtle savory tones emerge with air, all carried by exceptional balance and freshness.

Finish:
Exceptionally long and poised, with lingering cassis, cedar, and mineral tones that fade slowly, signaling decades of graceful evolution ahead.

Quick Overview

Named after the founder of To Kalon, H.W.C is produced from one single clonal selection of Cabernet Sauvignon within To Kalon. These vines were originally planted by Robert Mondavi, who was lured to To Kalon by the depth and richness of the wines he made from the vineyard in the 1960s. This incredibly low-yielding selection of Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines with high energy, a black-purple color, and exceptional aromatic and palate intensity—a high-resolution look at this noble variety. 

TO KALON VINEYARD
H.W. Crabb came to California looking for gold but stayed to become one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking. He named his estate To Kalon Vineyard®, Greek for Highest Beauty, because of the lush bounty it provided. Soon, his wines became renowned around the world. And over the last 150 years, the vineyard’s consistent fine quality has made it one of the most coveted in the world.
Sited between the sheltering Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges deep in the valley, the vineyard has well-drained, gravelly soil that allows the vines to root deeply to find precious moisture and nutrients. The broad diurnal temperature shifts and reliable sun, wind, and fog provide the ideal blend of growth and rest for complex flavor development.