Hartwell XX is an estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from a special 2-acre parcel at the very top of our property on Wappo Hill. The story of these vines begins in 1986, when Bob Hartwell planted cuttings of the prestigious Bosche clone he had acquired from his friend, Dick Grace, of Grace Family Vineyard. The first vintage from these vines was 1990, and in those early days, the wines of Hartwell Estate Vineyards were actually made at the Grace winery—a beautiful testament to the friendship between these two pioneering families.
Realm acquired this vineyard from the Hartwell family and have been making a wine we call Hartwell XX since the 2018 vintage. Despite its proximity to our Moonracer estate —the vineyards are literally adjacent—Hartwell XX presents such distinct characteristics that it demands to be bottled separately. The wines of Hartwell XX are marked by stature and substance. They possess a refinement and elevation that remains impressively consistent across vintages.
Tasting Date: April 1, 2025
2018: Enjoy Anytime
The 2018 Hartwell XX opens with gorgeous black fruit complemented by dark spices, fresh herbs, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is massive, dense, and concentrated—structured certainly, but never heavy. The rich, creamy texture extends into a long finish. Despite its impressive architecture, this is not a showy wine; it carries its grandeur with quiet confidence. Like all great wines, the 2018 Hartwell XX can be enjoyed at any time—its complexity and balance make it both immediately pleasurable and worthy of decades in the cellar.
2019: Elegant and Refined
The 2019 vintage shifts toward a darker fruit profile, presenting a classic Cabernet character marked by notes of licorice, graphite, and cassis. The mid-palate shows enticing juiciness, enveloped in dense, tightly packed layers. This is an elegant and refined wine that is simply stunning.
2020 Vintage
We did not produce any red wines in 2020.
2021: Explosive on the Palate
Immediately captivating, the 2021 Hartwell XX is notably aromatic, with seductive fruit and intriguing spices. The big, round entry opens to a wine that is dense and structured yet rich and lush. What distinguishes this vintage is its energy—this is an exciting wine that explodes on the palate.
2022: Immediately Charming
Our most recent release might be the most immediately charming of the quartet. Vibrant and aromatic, the 2022 Hartwell XX literally jumps out of the glass with an enthusiasm that's impossible to resist. Intriguingly, this vintage shows blue fruit characteristics alongside the more typical black fruit profile. Creamy, dense, and structured, with perhaps a slightly smaller frame than previous vintages. What's remarkable is the seamless quality of this wine—there's an incredible harmony and flow from beginning to end.
2023: Wisdom & Depth
Full, dense, and lingering. Black currant, roast plum, mountain sage, and dark chocolate carry through a creamy, fresh frame. Depth and power from the estate’s oldest vines shine in this near-perfect vintage.
