William Harrison – 131
Saturday, July 30th, 2005
Visiting William Harrison winery proved to be another one of those "Duh!" moments. Several months ago, in discussing the rarity of 100% Cabernet Francs of quality, a mere stranger offered me a well-cellared 1997 William Harrison Cabernet Franc. I was astounded at its depth of fruit and flavor (okay, I was also astounded that someone had I had met in passing would just give away a bottle of wine, too!)
The two-story building sits innocuously behind some of the winery’s vineyards, just off the Silverado Trail. Seemingly low-slung and unassuming compared to the palaces just up trail, the interior boasts considerable history in both a re-Prohibition bottle collection as well as a rather large, figuratively staged taxidermied bear.
Antonio Perelli-Minetti was the progenitor and during its heyday in 1970s, under the moniker of A. Perelli-Minetti & Sons, produced over a million cases of wine. Antonio’s daughter Conchita had a son named William Harrison, whose name is now emblazened upon sign and label.
The bear, by the way, was caught by Harrison on a hunting trip several years ago. I’m not sure what I am more enamored by; the stuffed bear or this historical photographs throughout the tasting room… Then again, the bottle collection is pretty amazing and surprised me by sitting out in the open (thinking of Coppola’s winery where they were carefully set behind glass). There is astonishing history to be found here and a laid-back, easy-going style in telling the stories and welcoming the guests.
2003 Estate Chardonnay – Complex layers of fresh fig, Limoncello, and sweet cream show immediately. The fig is detectable in the initial taste but subsides to demonstrate stone fruit with a light floral finish. I’m not a Chardonnay fan, but I would drink this. $32.00
2001 Estate Cabernet Franc – A wine I would be happy smelling for hours… Layers of dark cherry and ripe cassis toy with integrated spice and a hint of black pepper. The mouthfeel is silky and developed with even tannins. Mocha shows a bit in the mid-palate and blossoms to display touches of blueberry. Hands-down my favorite CabFranc in the industry. $35.00
2001 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Hugely opulent offering that rivals Cabs at twice the price. Rich dark berry and cherry with hints of tobacco and leather aromas. The mouthfeel is clean and precise, showing dark, roasted red berries combined with a hint of sweet black licorice and a tease of vanilla. Long finish displays craftsmanship and quality. $39.00
2001 Estate Rutherford Red - A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc. Odd that the single varietals prove to be more engaging than their blend. The dark, rustic fruit found in the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are treated to a bit too much earth and show mineral qualities that are out of balance. Considering the quality in the previous offerings, this may have simply been an off bottle. $45.00
William Harrison ~ 1443 Silverado Trail ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-8310