Since 2008, the Phillips family, owners of Vine Hill Ranch, have been making their own wine as well as growing grapes--which they're done since 1959. Vine Hill Ranch has been called "one of the most exciting debuts in Napa Valley," in Wine Advocate.

Robert Parker gives this release 96+ points:

"This is a prodigious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of creosote, camphor and burning embers, which give it an almost Graves-like character, but then the rich, creamy, pure blackberry and cassis fruit kick in. The wine has fabulous intensity, a multi-layered, dense, full-bodied texture and terrific finish. The tannins are slightly more dominant than in the 2012, but they offer sweetness and creaminess as opposed to any astringency or harshness, This is a modern-day classic from Vine Hill Ranch and probably the finest wine they have ever made. Drink it over the next 30+ years."

Antonion Galloni rates in 98 points:

"Majestic and towering in personality, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the truly great wines of a great vintage. The flavors are bold, intense and driving, with huge swaths of tannins and layers of pulsating minerality in support. Graphite, leather, lavender, tobacco and spices wrap around the virile, imposing finish. A wine of vertical structure and stunning detail, the 2013 is going to need the better part of the next decade to start opening up. Today, it is impressive, but it will be even better in a few years’ time."