About Hidden Ridge Vineyard

Located in Sonoma Valley, Hidden Ridge Vineyard was established in 1990. As it developed over the next several years, it gained an intimate, yet devoted following. It was a small vineyard producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, in 2013 the Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received a score of 100 points from the well-known wine critic Robert Parker. However, despite the quality of wines produced at Hidden Ridge Vineyard, they went largely unnoticed due to lack of marketing. In 2016, the vineyard came under new ownership. It still produces two estate Cabernet Sauvignons, Slope and Impassable Mountain. Both have consistently received high ratings from wine aficionados. Now, Hidden Ridge Vineyard has evolved into Immortal Estate. Still using this unique terroir of Hidden Ridge, owner Tim Martin is attempting to revolutionize Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sonoma region.

Terroir 

Hidden Ridge Vineyard is unlike other vineyards in Napa. It comprises 150 acres on the side of Spring Mountain, which is a part of the Mayacamas Mountains. This extremely secluded vineyard spans the ridge between the Sonoma and Napa valleys. What makes it so unique is that it sits at a 55 degree slope. This deviates from the 15 degree maximum that the county sets for vineyards. However, because the area was developed by Marco DiGiulio and Lynn Hofacket in 1990, it’s grandfathered in. The fact the Hidden Ridge Vineyard is off the beaten path is what helped it gain more following. This is still one of its defining characteristics.

After buying the land, Hofacket spent several years gaining an understanding of the terroir. The unique soil and lighting allows for the production of mountain fruit that’s used to create the estate Cabernets. Cool breeze from the Russian River flows into the vineyard in the afternoons. This, along with the moderate climate of the region, results in wines with natural acidity and highly unique flavors. Wines from Hidden Ridge Vineyard typically show notes of sweet spice, cocoa, cassis, and truffles. Of the 50 acres of grape vines, 46 are Cabernet, 1 is Chardonnay, and 1 is Petit Verdot.

Immortal Estate

In an attempt to rebrand the wines from Hidden Ridge Vineyard, owner Tim Martin created Immortal Estate. His goal is to produce a world-class Sonoma County Cabernet. He sees the creation of Immortal Estate as an evolution of Hidden Ridge. He’s not disregarding the past. Instead, he’s transforming the brand in order to carry on the legacy of winemaking in the region. Along with Tim is Timothy Milos, the winemaker at Immortal Estate. Since 1997, he has been honing his craft. His 100 point Impassable Mountain Cabernet gained him recognition as a top winemaker. The Immortal Slope has also received high scores and has helped Immortal Estate further its reputation as a producer of luxury wines.

The estate offers visitors a unique experience. Intimate tastings of the Immortal Slope and Immortal Impassable Mountain Reserve are available with an appointment. In addition, they also offer pours from the Hidden Ridge archive.