Only the second release of the Baker & Hamilton a name that has a deep history dating back to the gold rush of California. Livingston Low Baker and Robert Muirhead Hamilton (Bruce Phillip’s great great grandfather). This wine is both about simultaneously drinking from an exceptional vineyard site (Vine Hill Ranch) as well as acknowledging the important role that Baker & Hamilton played in California’s history as a direct result of the 1849 Gold Rush and the ensuing influx of settlers to the state that quickly followed the early mining years. From a historical perspective, this was the most significant new Napa Valley wine brand first released in 2022.

The 2020 growing season was among the most dramatic in memory, presenting myriad late-season challenges to growers and winemakers across Napa Valley. Among those challenges, wildfires were paramount, threatening personal safety and raising the possibility of smoke-tainted fruit. We were fortunate to have completed our harvest days before the Glass Fire started, ensuring that our wines would be free of any smoke-related character.

The 2020 VHR Baker & Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon is a vintage of tremendous focus and structure—testament to our good fortune, as well as to the caliber and resilience of the Vine Hill Ranch vineyards and the dedication and expertise of vineyard manager Mike Wolf and winemaker Françoise Peschon.