Lions Head Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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Robert
Parker -
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The name “Lion Tamer” has become a nickname for Malbec because they use it as the tannin tamer. Much like a Lion Tamer who uses a deft hand to soothe powerful, instinctive animals, Winemaker Dave Guffy uses Malbec to soothe powerful tannins. This red blend brings all the roar of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, and when blended with Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lion Tamer is a little closed to begin, giving way to earthy scents of tilled black soil, charcoal, truffles and crushed rocks over a core of warm cassis, plum preserves, cigar box and camphor. Full-bodied and densely packed with juicy black fruits and earthy sparks, it has a lovely line of freshness and a firm level of grainy tannins to support, finishing long with a minty kick.
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Wine Enthusiast
With 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec in the blend, this is no shy undertaking. Robust, fleshy dark fruit flavors are enveloped by a voluptuous texture. Currant and toasted oak form the core of the midpalate as a hint of cigar comes into play on the finish.
Other Vintages
2019-
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James
Suckling
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.