Hendry Block 8 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa.  The vines grow on thin stony soil between 200 and 300 feet above sea level.  Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the climate.   The vines were planted in 1974.  They are spaced 8’ x 10’, cordon trained and spur pruned.  The clone is U.C.D. 7 grafted to St. George roots.  A seven-foot vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.  Average production is 2.5 tons per acre.

In 2003, the median bud break in Block 8 was April 1.  Median bloom was June 3 and median veraison was August 12.  The harvest was October 13-16 with a yield of approximately 1.5 tons per acre. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was aged for 22 months in 90% new French oak barrels.

This Cabernet Sauvignon, similar in profile to the 2002, has layered aromas of black licorice, cigar box, violets, caramel and dark cassis.  Flavors echo the aromas, adding sweet dark berry and cedary fruit, mineral, mint and red dust.  Tannins are present, firm but fine-grained.  The alcohol is 14.5%.