Hundred Acre
Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
2013
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2020-2041).
In 2026, the Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is at peak, entering its sixth year of prime drinking. The 2013 was the finest Napa Valley vintage in a generation - Wine Spectator's 97-point Classic-rated harvest produced wines of extraordinary balance, fruit, and structure that have aged predictably and beautifully. Six years into peak in 2026, the 2013 Kayli Morgan shows exactly what that vintage meant for this site: the fine tannins of its structured youth have resolved fully into the deep, precise core of dark cherry, espresso, and dark spice the notes described on release, while the violet aromatics and cedar plank that define the Kayli Morgan site remain vivid and present. This is the most structured and precisely defined Kayli Morgan in the current lineup - where the 2015 offers opulence and the 2014 offers aromatic complexity, the 2013 offers a classic restraint and precision that reflects the flawless vintage. With 15 years remaining in the peak window through 2041, there is no rush, but in 2026 the wine sits at a deeply satisfying moment of resolved structure and full aromatic development.
The ‘13 Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
From the finest Napa vintage in a generation, the 2013 Kayli Morgan delivers the site's violet and dark cherry character through a lens of flawless WS 97 Classic precision - 15 years of peak drinking ahead.
Drinking window
Tasting note
Luminous, deep garnet in the glass with the kind of density and clarity that signals a wine built on a near-perfect growing season. The nose is restrained and classical: dark cherry and cedar plank open with elegant precision, joined by crushed violet and dried tobacco that give the Kayli Morgan site its signature aromatic identity. Iron mineral emerges behind the primary fruit, adding a structural note that develops with time in the glass toward something almost Graves-like in its mineral drive. On the palate the 2013 shows the vintage's signature balance: fine, fully resolved tannins and vibrant supporting acidity holding a deep core of dark fruit, espresso, and dark spice with exceptional precision. The fruit concentration is real and sustained, but nothing about this wine announces itself loudly - the 2013 Kayli Morgan achieves its impact through completeness rather than volume. The finish tapers to a long, precise conclusion of cedar, iron, and lingering violet that marks the best versions of this site at its most classically defined.
The 2013 vintage
The 2013 Napa Valley vintage earned a Wine Spectator Classic rating of 97 points and stands as one of the finest growing seasons in the appellation's modern history. The year delivered what collectors and winemakers rarely encounter simultaneously: moderate temperatures throughout the growing season with no significant heat spikes or damaging rain events. The result was the earliest harvest in 25 years, beginning in August, yet Indian summer conditions that followed allowed growers to make block-by-block picking decisions through late October without pressure. Wine Spectator called it a no-brainer benchmark, noting that the wines brim with both fruit and structure in a combination that rewards both immediate drinking and extended cellaring. For the Kayli Morgan site, the 2013's flawless conditions produced a wine of precision and restraint - the violet and dark cherry character of this site at its most classically defined.
About Hundred Acre
Jayson Woodbridge's Kayli Morgan Vineyard produces what many consider the finest and most distinctive expression in the Hundred Acre portfolio: a Cabernet of violet, dark cherry, and iron mineral character that sits apart from the estate's richer, more opulent expressions at other sites. The 2013 vintage gave Woodbridge what the Kayli Morgan site delivers only in the most perfect growing seasons - every element of the terroir in ideal balance, with no vintage pressure forcing stylistic compromise. The winemaking approach here emphasizes whole-berry fermentation in small open-top fermenters, extended maceration calibrated to extract the vineyard's structural character without sacrificing its aromatic delicacy, and aging in new and neutral French oak chosen to support but not define. Annual production is limited and allocated exclusively through the Hundred Acre mailing list.
From the cellar: pair with
Roasted Rack of Lamb with Black Cherry Jus
The wine's dark cherry and violet aromatics harmonize with the cherry jus while the fine, fully resolved tannins integrate seamlessly with the lean, herby rack without overpowering it.
Steak Tartare with Capers and Aged Parmesan
The wine's iron mineral precision and vibrant acidity complement the lean, savory intensity of tartare while the espresso and dark spice finish adds depth to the aged cheese accompaniment.
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
The wine's cedar plank and earthy iron mineral character bridge naturally to the deep umami of wild mushroom, while the fine tannins avoid overwhelming the creamy risotto texture.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-63F (16-17C)
- Decanting
- Decant 45 to 60 minutes in 2026. At six years into peak, the 2013 Kayli Morgan is deeply evolved and open - the vibrant acidity and fine tannins are fully resolved without extended aeration, so a shorter decant than younger vintages suffices. A 45 to 60 minute decant will lift the violet, dark cherry, and cedar aromatics without softening the iron mineral structure that defines this wine. Avoid very extended decanting beyond 90 minutes, which risks flattening the precision of the finish. Serve at 60-63F.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, stored on its side in a vibration-free environment.
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Napa Valley, California, USA
Frequently Asked
When is the best time to drink the Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013?
In 2026 this wine is at peak, entering its sixth year of prime drinking, with 15 years of optimal enjoyment remaining through 2041. The 2013 is one of the most age-worthy expressions in the Kayli Morgan lineup, reflecting the WS 97 Classic vintage's exceptional combination of fruit, structure, and balance. Six years into peak, the tannins are fully resolved and the dark cherry, espresso, and violet character is at maximum complexity. Those who prefer the most primary expression may prefer the newer [Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan 2016](/wines/hundred-acre/kayli-morgan-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2016). See [Napa Valley wines](/wines/region/napa-valley) for broader vintage context.
Should I decant the Kayli Morgan 2013 before serving?
Yes, decant 45 to 60 minutes in 2026. At six years into peak, the 2013 Kayli Morgan is deeply evolved and open, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins that are fully resolved without extended aeration. A 45 to 60 minute decant will lift the violet, dark cherry, and cedar aromatics and allow the espresso and iron mineral notes to emerge fully. Avoid very extended decanting beyond 90 minutes, which risks flattening the precision of the finish. Serve at 60-63F for the best expression of the vintage's signature balance.
What foods pair best with the Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan 2013?
The 2013 Kayli Morgan's fine resolved tannins, vibrant acidity, dark cherry and violet aromatics, and iron mineral finish make it an ideal partner for roasted rack of lamb with cherry jus, steak tartare with aged Parmesan, and wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil. The classical restraint of the 2013 vintage gives this wine a versatility the richer 2015 or 2014 do not have - its balance allows it to work with leaner preparations as well as richer ones without dominating. See [Cabernet Sauvignon wines](/wines/varietal/cabernet-sauvignon) for broader pairing guidance.
How does the 2013 Kayli Morgan compare to other vintages from this site?
The 2013 is widely considered the most precisely balanced and structured Kayli Morgan in the recent lineup, reflecting the WS 97 Classic vintage's flawless growing season. Where the [Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan 2015](/wines/hundred-acre/kayli-morgan-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2015) leads with opulent blueberry and generous fruit and the [Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan 2014](/wines/hundred-acre/kayli-morgan-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2014) offers aromatic range and Classic vintage power, the 2013 is the site's most precise and restrained expression - the clearest articulation of the Kayli Morgan terroir without vintage excess in either direction.
How long can I cellar the 2013 Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan?
The 2013 Kayli Morgan has a peak window running through 2041, with hard decline not expected until 2050. In 2026 the wine has 15 years of optimal drinking remaining. The exceptional structure and tannic backbone of the WS 97 Classic vintage means this wine will evolve more slowly and predictably than richer years like the 2015 - expect the primary dark cherry and violet to gradually give way to more savory secondary notes of tobacco, leather, and iron mineral through the 2030s. Store at 55F, 60-70% humidity, on its side in a vibration-free environment.