Press
Press
& Accolades
Wine Spectator
A Rebirth at
Hillwalker Vineyards
With a low-key, hands-on approach, Kevin Morrison resurrects a Mount Veeder vineyard to produce beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon
Accolades
98
Points
"There’s lovely purity and perfume with so much flair and precision. Aromas of black currants, blueberries, bay laurel, violets, rose petals, mountain herbs, licorice and crushed wet stones. The palate is full-bodied, taut and tense, with bright acidity, fine-grained tannins and a rounded and textural mouthfeel that has density but no excess weight. This is a wine of pure class, farmed biodynamically, dry grown and fermented and aged in 80% concrete. Excellent. Drink or hold."
Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com
2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Reviewed March 2026
98
Points
"This is a divine wine that is so pure and fresh. Aromas of crushed blueberries, red berries, blackberries, violets, dried rose petals, wet stones, mountain herbs and bark. The palate is full-bodied, luscious and rounded, with tannins that almost melt, lovely density yet no excess weight, fine acidity and a mouthwatering, minerally finish. A fabulous example of a dry-grown mountain vineyard in a hot vintage that shows excellent balance and purity. 15% merlot. Drink or hold."
Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com
2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Reviewed March 2026
98
Points
The 2021 Hillwalker Vineyards is blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple-colored, bright, vibrant red currants and black raspberry scents jump from the glass, followed by hints of violets, garrigue, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is electric energy and vivacious red and black fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and layered. This wine was left on skins for 25 days and aged in about 20% new French Oak and 80% concrete. The natural beauty of the wine is striking. One of the most exciting new wines to come out of Napa Valley in recent years. 98+
The Wine Independent
2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
96
Points
"Aromas of blue, black and red fruit, bay laurel, mountain scrub, dried rose petals, licorice and wet volcanic rock. The palate is full-bodied, textured and dense, with fine, firm tannins, bright acidity and a mouthwatering, mineral feel. Made with 15% merlot that softens the mountain cabernet. Decant before drinking for maximum reward. 150 cases made from a biodynamically farmed vineyard. 80% aged in concrete. Drinkable now, but best from 2030."
Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com
2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Reviewed March 2026