Hertelendy wines are based in Hungarian tradition which dates back to centuries. The Hertelendy story is inspired by the founder’s great uncle Gabor Hertelendy who grew two varietals in his basalt-mountain vineyards overlooking Lake Balaton: Szürkebarát (better known as Pinot Gris) and Kéknyelű (a rare Hungarian white wine grape only found in the Badacsony wine region).
After his family immigrated from Hungary and settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ralph Hertelendy began his wine love affair at a very young age — drinking French Grand Crus at the age of 5! Ralph was 15 when he created his first beer and then made his first wine in a basement at age 25. After getting his business degree from the University of San Francisco, Ralph became a sommelier and worked for several wineries in the Napa Valley as a Winemaker’s Assistant and in sales.
Ralph and his family rely today on the talents of winemaker Phillip Titus, one of Napa’s most prestigious winemakers. A graduated of the famed UC Davis Enology and Viticulture program, Titus began his focus on viticulture and wine at the age of 12 when he began helping his father in the family vineyard.
He has crafted an incredible new lineup of wines for Hertelendy. Don’t miss out on the incredible 2018 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is powerful and concentrated, with tons of aging potential. Even better is the drop-dead gorgeous 2018 Hertelendy ‘Signature’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is dense and massive, with incredible flavor range. This is elegant and refined Napa that you won’t want to miss out on. Learn more about this famed Napa house at https://hertelendy.com/ and here are the outstanding new wines by Hertelendy.
208 Hertelendy ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this famed vineyard in the Russian River Valley, the Ritchie Vineyard is a more than 20 year old site that is set on sandy loam soils. This is very dense and heady with layers of ripe pineapple, ripe mango, white peach and suggestions of salted Marcona almonds. Finishing very long wth saline drenched pear and minerals, this is gorgeous Chardonnay to consume now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94
2018 Hertelendy ‘Audere’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Audere’ offers medium to full-bodied Turkish coffee and dark chocolate shaving flavors alongside a good degree of finesse. With more air, freshly tiled soil and stony notes combine with the rich dark fruits. Enjoy now and over the next decade. 39% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller parts Malbec, Petit Verdot and a dash of Cabernet Franc. Drink 2023-2033- 93
2018 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2018 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 23 months in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak prior to bottling. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot with a dash of Malbec and Merlot, this offers intense Asian spices that combine with creme de cassis, anise, Black Forest cake and suggestions of loamy soils on the nose. The palate is juicy and refined, with plenty or rocky tones that combine with a dense core of dark fruits, with chocolate covered espresso bean flavors. Refined and also very gratifying to consume now, this beauty has another two decades in front of it. Drink 2023-2042- 95
2018 Hertelendy ‘Signature’ Red Wine- The world-class 2018 Hertelendy ‘Signature’ Red Wine is sourced from their Rockwell Ridge Vineyard, as well as sites on Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill, and Atlas Peak. Stored in 90% French and Hungarian oak, this blends 60% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Very inky in the glass, this reveals creme de violette, mocha, tar and black licorice flavors that combines with wet gravel on the palate. Refined and elegant, this is a stunning new wine that has a really long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2023-2045- 97