Region: Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 2023
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
History: Matt Hardin, a 6th generation Napa Valley resident and farmer, is owner and managing partner of Matthew Wallace Wines and Hardin-Clark Vineyard Management. Matt enjoys putting his expertise to work farming both ultra premium grapes for his private clients and several sites that make up the base for the Caterwaul Napa bottling. Thomas Rivers Brown, winemaker for some of Napa and Sonoma’s most iconic labels (Schrader Cellars, Outpost and his own Rivers-Marie & Aston Estate), has more than 30 100-point wines to his resume. Working together for many years over many different projects, a friendship was developed. Out of that friendship the idea of working together, utilizing the strengths of the other, Caterwaul was born.
Tasting Notes:
Centered in the heart of Napa Valley, Rutherford is distinguished by its layered alluvial soils and generous sun exposure. This single-vineyard expression from its northern reaches reveals increasingly exposed river stones between vine rows—an indicator of both good drainage and defining site character. Made from clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine shows a dark ruby core with lifted garnet hues at the rim. On the nose, classic Rutherford dust frames aromas of brambleberry, charred meat, and warm baking spices. The palate delivers immediate depth and concentration, balanced by vibrant acidity that lends lift and clarity. Ripe black cherry, redcurrant, and sweet tobacco unfold seamlessly, supported by fine-grained mineral tannins. The finish is medium in weight, persistent, and marked by a radiant freshness.
