{"title":"Chris Hamilton Cellars Wine Collection","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"417\"\u003eChris Hamilton Cellars is a boutique Napa Valley producer focused on crafting precise, expressive wines from top vineyard sites, including Oakville and Yountville. Founded by Chris and Heidi Hamilton, the winery partners with leading growers, prioritizing vineyard quality over scale. The winemaking is centered on balance, structure, and drinkability. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the portfolio, alongside Bordeaux-style blends that show both Napa depth and restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2021-chris-hamilton-cellars-w-lf-cabernet-sauvignon-oakvillesomm2505-chc21csv-750","title":"2021 Chris Hamilton Cellars, Wülf Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChris Hamilton knows something about beating the odds. From a childhood of economic hardship, to becoming an amateur race car driver, to a Napa Valley vintner, he's made a career of “turning right when everyone turns left.” His Wülf Cabernet—sporting a label in famous racing colors—is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe ultimate outsider's play on California’s most rarefied Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 55-acre Pelissa Vineyard sits at Oakville's epicenter, sharing the same deep alluvial gravels and afternoon sun exposure that make neighboring Opus One ($400) and Beckstoffer To Kalon some of Oakville’s priciest real estate. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHamilton has an eye for talent. Jeff Ames, the 100-point winemaker behind TOR, handled harvest, while Sara Donley, who spent six years at Colgin Cellars, guided the wine through its 20-month, 50% new French oak élevage. The result? A $150 Cabernet masquerading as an $80 bottle. Those are just the facts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOakville power meets restraint: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eblack cherries, cassis, and violets wrapped in that unmistakable gravelly-loam minerality of Oakville: the greatest terroir in the world for Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is in the same balanced, restrained style that Opus One is known for.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganically farmed fruit \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efrom a benchmark vintage, 2021, means tiny berries packed with concentrated flavor, which is why Jeb Dunnuck called 2021 “one of Napa's Greatest” vintages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUndeniable pedigree:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Between the Pelissa Vineyard and its alluvial Oakville terroir, Jeff Ames (TOR) and Sara Donley (Colgin alum) making the wine, this wine should cost twice as much. This is NOT a “private label” or “NDA” wine either; it’s a wine made with intention and perfectionism. You will be challenged to find a better Oakville Cab under $100.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpen it now for instant gratification, or stash it away through 2035—this has the structure and acid balance to go the distance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at 60-62°F in Bordeaux stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePair with a thick-cut ribeye brushed with red miso butter and dusted with fresh thyme.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43756390187062,"sku":"SOMM2505-CHC21CSV-750","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021ChrisHamiltonCellars_WulfCabernetSauvignon_Oakville_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1747938866"},{"product_id":"2023-chris-hamilton-cellars-red-wine-napa-valleysomm2511cl-chc23red-750","title":"2023 Chris Hamilton Cellars, Red Wine, Napa Valley","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChris Hamilton knows something about beating the odds. From a childhood of economic hardship, to becoming an amateur race car driver, to a Napa Valley vintner, he's made a career of “turning right when everyone turns left.” This red is the ultimate outsider's play on Napa Valley’s most rarefied terroirs. Unapologetically fruit-driven- deep black cherries come with dusty raspberries, chocolate, purple flowers, and minerals, leading to waves of warm cassis, black raspberries, and currants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is sourced from prime vineyards in Napa Valley, especially from Yountville and Oakville—sites known for clay-loam soils and a mild climate, producing wines that balance richness with fresh acidity. The estate works with organic and dry-farming practices, focusing on low-yield, expressive sites.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Hamilton Cellars is a family estate founded by Chris Hamilton, inspired by the\u003cbr\u003eregion’s greats and Napa Valley’s pioneering spirit. Sarah Donley, formerly of Colgin and Wheeler Farms, has served as head winemaker since 2023, emphasizing meticulous site selection and sustainability throughout the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 blend features a Merlot-based core with Cabernet Franc in a supporting\u003cbr\u003erole. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel and barrel, then aged in a mix of French\u003cbr\u003eoak, balancing purity of fruit with layered complexity.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt pours a deep ruby color with perfumed aromatics of violet, lavender, black cherry, and plum, and secondary notes of dried herbs, bay leaf, and subtle baking spices. The palate offers ripe red and dark fruit, supple tannins, lively acidity, and a long, mineral finish. Glossy texture and nuanced structure make this a perfect “modern classic”—drinkable now, but structured enough to age for at least 5–7 years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44209685790774,"sku":"SOMM2511CL-CHC23RED-750","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/ChristHamiltonReds.png?v=1764793575"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/chris_hamilton_napa_valley.png?v=1773812873","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/chris-hamilton-cellars-wine-collection.oembed","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}