2023 Erikson & Caradin Hazel & Axe Sauvignon Blanc California

Enter Kevin Morrisey — the man with a résumé that reads like a greatest-hits list of world-class wine: Chateau Pétrus, Stags' Leap, Etude, Ehlers Estate. He’s the kind of winemaker who doesn’t just understand terroir — he elevates it. Under his guidance, the Erikson & Caradin portfolio leans into precision, purity, and AVA-driven character with a confidence that only decades of top-tier experience can bring.

The journey began humbly with the 2013 vintage, sold exclusively to close friends and a handful of restaurants. By 2016, access to exceptional parcels allowed production to grow from just 85 to 264 cases — still tiny, still fiercely craft-focused. Today, the winery produces eight designations and never more than 50 barrels, staying true to its original mission: deliver uncompromising, site-specific Napa wines rooted in authenticity.

Their winemaking ethos mirrors their origins. As collectors turned producers, Erikson & Caradin sought out the finest Cabernet parcels across Napa’s most revered regions. And with Robert Smith leading the cellar, the team embraces curiosity, modern technique, and a relentless pursuit of refinement.

And at the heart of it all is Hazel — the family pillar whose motto, “wield the axe,” meant tapping into inner strength and never standing still. That spirit lives in every bottle: forward-moving, deeply rooted, and crafted with intention.