Several years back, I discovered Hidden Ridge cabs after a fellow Berserker shared a positive note about them. At the time, their cabs (like the 55% slope) were selling for about $60, and I thought they were fantastic. They later essentially doubled their prices, but I didn’t care–I thought the wines were an excellent example of a California cabernet, so I bought them anyway.
Sadly, the winery was sold (in in 2016, I think) and the buyer (Immortal Estate?) just hasn’t produced the same wine since. For those who may share my affinity for this wine, where did the wine maker go? Who is making California cabs with a similar profile?
WineAccess sold a bottling called Hidden Ridge with what looked like the exact same label as the old HR. Immortal is, as you noted, the new estate but their SRP is $100 i think, even though I see it retailing for $75 all over
Just opened a Hidden Ridge Cabernet 2003 (that I believe I picked up awhile ago from Wine Access). Wow! In a perfect drinking place! Wish I had a few more bottles.
I disagree that Chappellet drinks anything like Hidden Ridge (I presume you are talking about the similarly priced Signature Chappellet).
Luckily, I too have a few bottles of the Hidden Ridge 2012, 2013.
Robert, if you track down the former owners of Hidden Ridge to another winery let us all know. Thanks!
The owners of Hidden Ridge were from my home state, Oklahoma. While I don’t know them a very good friend knows them. I understand the Wards sold the property shortly after Cassidy’s husband, Lynn passed away. My timeline might be a touch off, but I do know he passed a few years ago. It also happened to coincide with receiving the 100 point score from Parker which I believe helped the sales price, considerably. I don’t think she has remained in the wine business but I’m not 100% sure.
My friend know her father and he was known to be very generous handing out bottles of their wine as gifts. Both 55 and Impassable. I’ve tasted a few, both HR and Immortal. Prefer the HR but ok curious to see how the Immortal ages. I think it might soften with age and evolve into a nice wine. They did definitely jack up the price. But, those I Bankers need returns!
Take a look at the Spring Mountain wineries. Fisher Vineyards is a favorite. I’ve also heard great things about Cornell Vineyards.
One of the guys from Tusk Estates is heavily invested in Immortal Estate. They lowered the Slope back to $75. Very respectable price point. Not sure I’m willing to drop $303 Impassable.
We met Cassidy at a “Wine on the Water” event at the Hyatt in Incline Village several years ago. She was pouring a 2009 55% Slope and was as nice and friendly as can be. We became buyers that day. Very sad that her husband passed away and that she sold the winery. We stopped buying once she sold. Hope she is doing well and wish her the best.
FYI-
Immortal Estates released their ‘15 Slope today, which is the former Hidden Ridge.
I’ve never had it, but did order the ‘14 earlier this year. Was hoping to taste it before the ‘15 was offered.
Opened this ‘14 for dinner, should see 2hr decant.
I think this is what tasters mean when they invoke “leaping out of the glass.”
Nice red color. A small whiff of alcohol. Red fruit, plum & black berry.
Almost 3 hrs in-
Cherry & blackberry aromas, alcohol note is gone. Lots of cherry kirsch & heat on the palate. Lots of fruit into the mid palate, long finish (45 seconds?) with a bit of heat and tannin coming through til the end.
Really nice, classic red-fruit cab profile. No vanilla, no caramel, no chocolate, this is old school.
Needs more decant time? More bottle time?
I’ll see how it goes w food.
I should have started the decant earlier!
At 5 hrs it’s drinking beautifully. Excellent complement to filet, rosemary/thyme fingerlings, salad.
Very pretty nose still, palate has added blackberries & leather to the cherry. Gained a bit of spiciness and density. Tannins are in the background, in balance and carry through the finish.
Really nice wine! 93/95
Intellectually fun tasting. Not a cookie-cutter CA Cab. My wife thought it could pass as a high end, young Zin. She ultimately guessed it was a $150 Cab.
My first taste of Immortal Estate (Hidden Ridge) wine. Good relative value at $75. I’ll look at picking up the ‘15 which was just released.
How interesting… I just received an offer from Wine Access for 2017 Hidden Ridge (45 bucks). I wonder if the Immortal went back to the label? (Looks like the old label)
I have some Immortal Slope/ and I like it…
