2019 Fortunate Son The Dreamer

Fortunate Son is the second wine project from Jayson Woodbridge, the visionary winemaker behind Hundred Acre. While Hundred Acre embodies pure luxury and precision, Fortunate Son focuses on wines that combine craftsmanship with accessibility and character. The wines are made in St. Helena, in a historic 1860s cellar: the former David Fulton Winery site. Since 2021, the project has been led by Jayson's son, Cameron Woodbridge, who shares his father's dedication and attention to detail. The family works with small, carefully selected parcels in Napa Valley, which are maintained under the supervision of top viticulturist Jim Barbour.

vineyards and terroir

The exact origin of the grapes remains deliberately secret. Woodbridge pays winegrowers by the hectare rather than the kilo, aiming for extremely low yields and maximum concentration. Only the finest family estates in Napa Valley are considered. The soils consist of volcanic rock, clay, and loam, with excellent drainage. The microclimate of warm days and cool nights produces ripe, aromatic Cabernet grapes that retain their freshness.

grape varieties and harvest

The 2019 The Dreamer is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from two undisclosed vineyards in Napa Valley. Harvesting was selective: the grapes were picked multiple times per plot, each time at the perfect ripeness. This gave the wines complexity and balance. 2019 was an excellent vintage in Napa, with ideal conditions for Cabernet: a cool spring, warm summer, and dry harvest period produced concentrated fruit and polished tannins.

vinification and maturation

The vinification process is extremely precise. The grapes are selected by hand, first in the vineyard, then on the sorting table and via an optical scanner. Only the perfect grapes reach the oak puncheons where fermentation takes place. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques, mostly new, which gives it its creamy texture and fine oak notes. This careful approach produces a pure and balanced wine with considerable length and depth.

review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2019 Fortunate Son The Dreamer 95 points. Joe Czerwinski described it as "darker, richer, and warmer than the 2018 version, yet still balanced, delivering ripe black cherries, loamy earth, and dried spices." He called the wine "medium to full-bodied, softly dusty, and long on the finish." The rating confirms that 2019 is a year of power, warmth, and elegance, perfectly maintaining its structure and balance. Recommended for drinking from 2023 to 2035.

color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep, almost inky color. The nose reveals ripe black cherries, blackberries, and blueberries, complemented by spicy notes of bay leaf, tobacco, cocoa, and dried spices. The palate is full and supple, with soft tannins and a luxurious texture. The finish is long and refined, with notes of earth, mocha, and subtle wood influences. The balance between ripe fruit and elegant structure makes this wine exceptionally approachable, yet long-lasting.

Would you like to order Fortunate Son wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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recommended wine and food pairings

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic butter. The wine's rich texture enhances the juicy meat.
• Venison stew with cranberries and rosemary. The earthy notes complement the wine's spicy character beautifully.
• Beef tagliata with arugula and Parmesan. The freshness and tannins bring balance to the dish.
• Risotto with porcini mushrooms and truffle. The wine adds tension and depth to the creamy texture.
• Leg of lamb with Provençal herbs. The Mediterranean spiciness harmonizes with the wine's fruity, warm notes.
• Roasted eggplant with balsamic vinegar and pecorino. The wine maintains freshness and length alongside the savory flavors of the dish.