Hundred Acre

Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

2015

Vintage

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV

Peak 2022-2043

Where it is, July 2026

At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2022-2043).

In 2026, the Hundred Acre Wraith 2015 sits four years into a peak window that stretches to 2043, placing it at an early-peak stage where the wine's extraordinary concentration is just beginning to resolve. The 2015 growing season drove sugars and phenolics simultaneously in a fourth consecutive California drought year, producing wines of extreme density that have needed time to integrate. In the glass today, the Wraith shows its power without apology: the viscous, coat-the-palate structure that defined it at release has gained a measure of integration, while the ink-black color has barely shifted from release. Collectors who opened this wine in 2022 at peak's edge found it still tightly wound; by 2026 the first layers of development are emerging and the wine is fully communicating its aromatic and structural breadth. The wine is in its drinking window but will be even more rewarding from 2028 through 2035 as the concentration continues to integrate. There is a decade and more of prime drinking ahead. Explore the full [Napa Valley collection](/wines/region/napa-valley) or the [Cabernet Sauvignon varietal hub](/wines/varietal/cabernet-sauvignon) for wines at comparable stages.

The ‘15 Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wraith at four years into a 21-year peak: a viscous, monumental Napa Cab built for those who want both power and precision.

Drinking window

The arcYou are here · at peak, 2026

Tasting note

The Wraith 2015 presents in a deep, opaque ink-black color with a striking electric violet rim that signals the wine's youthful intensity despite its ten years of age. On the nose, blackberry liqueur and dark cherry emerge first, followed closely by rich creme de cassis, cocoa butter, warm volcanic stone, and a cigar-box spice note that adds savory complexity. A whisper of vanilla bean rounds the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine delivers an enormous, viscous sensation: layers of ripe dark fruit coat the mouth with remarkable weight, supported by a vein of brilliant acidity that provides lift and prevents the wine from feeling heavy or monolithic. The mid-palate transitions from primary fruit to dark chocolate and iron mineral, building toward a finish of remarkable persistence that extends well beyond two minutes, closing with vanilla bean, iron mineral, and dark cocoa that linger in sequence. The tannins are present but refined, polished by both the vintage conditions and Jayson Woodbridge's meticulous barrel program. This is a wine of extraordinary scale with the structural precision to support it fully, a combination the 2015 drought vintage delivered to the best producers who managed it carefully.

The 2015 vintage

The 2015 Napa Valley vintage arrived as the fourth consecutive drought year in California, a streak that defined the decade and permanently shaped the region's viticultural approach. With limited winter rainfall, vines endured significant water stress heading into the growing season. Summer heat accelerated sugar accumulation, and winemakers faced a race between sugar ripeness and phenolic maturity. Lower yields concentrated flavors dramatically: the clusters that remained on the vine after severe early drop produced intensely flavored, small-berried fruit with thick skins contributing deep color and tannin. Wine Spectator rated the vintage 94 points Outstanding. For Hundred Acre, whose tiny-yield, mountain-and-benchland source approach aligns precisely with drought-year viticulture, 2015 produced wines of extraordinary concentration and color density. The Wraith in particular showcases the vintage signature: viscous body, deep pigment, and a fruit profile of almost liqueur-like intensity balanced by the acidity that separates elite Napa from simple fruit concentration.

About Hundred Acre

Hundred Acre is among Napa Valley's most celebrated small-production estates, founded by Jayson Woodbridge in the late 1990s. The winery produces wines from select mountain and benchland sites across Napa, with the Wraith bottling sourced from old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon blocks chosen for their natural tendency toward concentrated, deeply pigmented fruit. Woodbridge's winemaking philosophy centers on extended hang time, severe green-harvesting to achieve minimal yields, and meticulous hand-sorting to reach a fruit quality that drives concentration from the vineyard rather than from extraction. The wines spend extended time in a high percentage of new French oak, which adds structure and spice complexity while allowing the vineyard character to drive the flavor profile. Hundred Acre operates as a cult producer in the truest sense: annual allocations sell out immediately, secondary market prices consistently exceed release prices, and the collector base spans continents. The Wraith is the estate's most visceral and direct expression of what top Napa Cabernet can achieve.

From the cellar: pair with

Dry-aged Wagyu ribeye

The wine's viscous body and dense dark fruit mirror Wagyu fat richness while its iron mineral finish adds savory depth and its brilliant acidity keeps the palate clean.

Dry-aged porterhouse with bone marrow

The Wraith's acidity cuts through bone marrow richness while its concentrated cassis complements the char on aged beef and its tannin structure holds through the protein.

Dark chocolate truffle with sea salt

The wine's own dark chocolate and vanilla bean finish mirror the dessert while its acidity and structured tannins prevent a sweetness clash and add complexity.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 62-65F (17-18C)
Decanting: In 2026 at four years into peak, the Wraith benefits from a 1 to 2 hour decant. The wine's density and concentration reward extended breathing time to fully open the layered aromatic profile. Pour into a wide-bottomed decanter and allow the wine at least an hour before serving. Do not rush this wine with a short decant, as the aromatics remain tight without sufficient air.
Cellar Storage: 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottles on their side.

Track this bottle Read the Napa Valley, California guide

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.

Frequently Asked

When should I open this bottle?

The Wraith 2015 is fully in its drinking window in 2026, four years into a peak that runs to 2043. Opening now rewards patience with a wine that has begun to integrate its extraordinary concentration. For maximum expression, the window from 2026 to 2035 captures the wine as the fruit layers are resolving into complex, multi-layered depth. Do not feel rushed: there are nearly two decades of prime drinking ahead.

How long should I decant this wine?

One to two hours in 2026. The Wraith's enormous concentration and density respond well to extended air exposure. Decanting into a wide-bottomed decanter helps open the aromatics and softens the wine's structure gradually. Less than an hour may leave the wine tighter than ideal; more than two hours begins to fade the fruit definition and lift.

What are the best food pairings for this level of intensity?

Match the wine's power: dry-aged beef, Wagyu ribeye, braised short ribs, or preparations with bone marrow richness are ideal. The Wraith's viscosity and density require equally robust, fatty preparations to avoid overwhelming more delicate dishes. Dark chocolate with sea salt also pairs exceptionally well with the wine's own chocolate-mineral finish.

How does this compare to other Hundred Acre Wraith vintages?

The 2015 is frequently grouped with the 2013 and 2017 as among the finest recent Wraith expressions. What separates 2015 is the combination of extreme concentration from the drought year alongside the wine's brilliant acidity, which gives lift and aging potential that pure power alone cannot provide. It is a more structured expression than the richer 2013 and more immediately viscous than the leaner 2017.

How should I store remaining bottles?

Cellar at 55F (13C) with 60-70% humidity, bottles stored horizontally on their sides. The Wraith's peak window extends to 2043, meaning it rewards careful long-term storage across nearly two decades. Avoid temperature fluctuations above two or three degrees, which can accelerate aging and compress the window's optimal range.