Today we share the wines of one of California’s historic wineries. Stony Hill Vineyard dates back to1943 and was founded by Fred and Eleanor McCrea, is one of Napa Valley's oldest post-Prohibition wineries. This property was originally a168-acre goat ranch on the slopes of Spring Mountain, the estate was initially intended to be a summer retreat for the San Francisco-based couple.
The winery was built back in 1951 and the first wines they made were Chardonnay back in 1952. Against the advice of viticulture experts who recommended diversification, the McCreas focused on white varieties, primarily Chardonnay, which was rare in California at the time. They also planted Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sémillon.
I love the new wines by Stony Hill. Check out the outstanding 2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is marvelous and lush on the mouth with serious tension. Learn more about this historic site at https://www.stonyhillvineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Stony Hill wines.
2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay comes from a three different sites throughout the Napa Valley. Right away this is alluring on the nose, offering pink grapefruit blossom and freshly cut limes alongside crushed wet rocky soils. The palate is soft and neatly textured with plenty of tension and a seamless mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2033- 94
2023 Stony Hill ‘Cote Rouge’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Cote Rouge’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a location set on iron-rich volcanic soils which is uncommon for the area. Inky in the glass, dark currants combine with graphite and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is lush and inviting with serious texture and flavor range. A stunning wine, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Stony Hill ‘Cotes des Pierres’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Cotes des Pierres’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a stony site at the base of the vineyard. This location is set on shale and sandstone. On the nose this takes on violets, with tar, sweet pipe tobacco and shades of anise seed. The palate is lush and refined with serious texture, rocky soil character and comes off with serious flavor density. Drink 2026-2040- 95
2023 Stony Hill ‘Eleanor McCrea’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Eleanor McCrea’ Cabernet Sauvignon is named after the proprietor of the estate, who ran the winery for many years. It is inky in the glass, offering alluring purple flowers with shades of mocha, tar and cassis. The wine is seamless and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2044- 95