When we founded the winery back in 2006, we started with vineyards that already had a great pedigree. We knew what our land was capable of, and we set out with a mindset of no compromise. Over the years, we’ve been able to bring new varieties into the fold, building a portfolio of 100% estate-grown wines that we are immensely proud of. But there was always one question quietly waiting in the vineyard: what could our Henry Ranch accomplish with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet is the most widely planted red grape in the world, with fantastic expressions from every major growing region. We didn’t just want to make a good one; we wanted to craft a best-in-class wine that truly reflected our unique microclimate. It takes a remarkable environment to grow exceptional Cabernet. Most people don’t realize that our spot in Lodi benefits from a wonderful Mediterranean climate. We have beautiful granite soils, warm afternoon sun to ripen the fruit, and cool delta breezes sweeping in from the San Francisco Bay. It is an exceptional place to grow this variety.
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This project has been years in the making. Our pursuit of excellence started in the soil, dedicating years to researching the clonal aspects of Cabernet. We were looking for structure, dark fruit, and soft, supple tannins. That long road of studying, planting, and waiting led us to identify three very specific, low-yielding clones—including a rare Bordeaux clone, a clone originating from Argentina, and clone 6, a fascinating California heritage clone also known as the “Jackson Clone” —that we knew would thrive on our property.
Being 100% estate-grown means everything to us. It was something my father-in-law, George, was adamant about from the beginning, honoring the generations of farming that came before us. It means we have our hands on the entire process, allowing the vineyard to tell its own story rather than manipulating it in the cellar. The 2023 growing season gave us a beautiful opportunity to capture that story. Temperatures were mild and consistent, allowing us to hit the exact flavor profiles and tannin development we were seeking.
The result is our newly released 2023 Henry Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. It is wonderfully fruit-expressive, offering rich layers of blackberry and blackcurrant. There is a beautiful texture in the mid-palate, and the finish is incredibly long and lingering, supported by an elegant backbone of French oak. It is built to age beautifully for years to come, yet crafted to be enjoyed the moment you pull the cork.
Kyle Lerner | Proprietor and Winemaker
“…a fantastically polished, complex, and richly layered red, with a terrific bouquet of black cherry and blackberry fruit, warm oak spices, graphite, and dark chocolate, with ironstone mineral notes and firm tannins that create a solid foundation supporting all the rich berry fruit and spice notes…” 93 Points
Jonathan Cristaldi | The Tasting Panel
