2017 Realm Houyi Red, Napa Valley

Houyi Vineyard came to our attention in 2013 when we were looking to create a new Single Vineyard Cabernet from Pritchard Hill. Flanking the eastern side of Napa Valley, we knew Pritchard Hill was special, with some of the best-known names in Napa wine. Two winemakers pointed us in Houyi’s direction: Brad Grimes of Abreu Vineyards and Sam Kaplan of Arkenstone, Memento Mori, and Nine Suns. At an elevation of nearly 1300 feet, the vineyard sits above the fog line, its vines soaking in the morning sun. The site – stunningly beautiful – is owned by the Chang family, who bought it in 2010 and nurture it with a no-holds-barred philosophy.

Planted and farmed by David Abreu with a crew dedicated exclusively to the site, Houyi Vineyard’s soils are unimaginably rocky, requiring significant resources to maintain. We have six blocks under contract – all Cabernet Sauvignon – most with a southeastern exposure. Houyi is one of our softer Cabernets, approachable in a way that runs counter to many mountain wines.

Red fruit; aromatic; softer; approachable tannins that run counter to some mountain sites.