HALL might be synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon but some might not know that they make some gorgeous Rose and white wines as well. Founded back in 1992 by Katheryn and Craig Hall, over time they built one of Napa’s most beautiful, state of the art, wineries that is quite simply a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. I always enjoy my visits to this special property.
HALL also have two separate lines, WALT (focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and BACA (focusing on Zinfandel) that are seriously good in their own right. These brands have performed remarkably well since their inception. The BACA line in particular offers very serious value. I am always skeptical when I review canned wine but the 2020 BACA ‘Ring Around The Rose’ Rose (OB, 90) is one of the best canned wines I have tasted in the past year. Beautifully textured, with good range and astringency, this is sure to impress any canned Rose skeptic. I adored the new 2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which deftly combines texture and freshness as this would beautifully match with some Kumamoto oysters. Learn more about these great wines at hallwines.com Here are the fantastic new release wines by HALL.
2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc is outstanding for the price. Nutty undercurrents with kiwi and gooseberry fill the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured with just a kiss of sweetness. Ripe pear and nectarine tones collide with starfruit and minerals on the palate. The freshness here is seriously good, as this would offer a perfect foil for fresh Kumamoto oysters. Drink 2021-2025- 92
2019 HALL ‘Knights Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Quite different than the ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc, this is a barrel-fermented edition that shows considerable heft and weight. The texture is really outstanding as rich Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors mingle with toasty brioche and lemon curd undertones. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2019 BACA ‘Stargazing’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Stargazing’ is a new wine by BACA that is sourced from the ‘Spirit Canyon Vineyard’ in Mendocino County. Showing a round and generous texture, this takes on kiwi and melon flavors that mingle with vanilla cream and shades of papaya on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 BACA ‘Ring Around The Rose’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Ring Around The Rose’ is so good that you will have to take a double take that it comes from a can. Fresh, vibrant and nicely textured, this shows plenty of ripe and slightly sweet Yakima cherry and melon flavors alongside a good veil of tension and peat moss undertones. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2020 WALT Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2020 WALT Rose is a fabulous effort that unveils earthy tones on the nose with red cherry, red raspberry and tobacco leaf. The palate is highly nuanced and carries a gratifying texture and length. Ripe red fruits collide with stony minerals, wild mushroom and orange rind flavors on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91