Robert Craig Cellars Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014
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James
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Robert
Parker
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For the second vintage, we are pleased to present Affinity as a 100% estate grown, single-vineyard bottling from La Londe Vineyard, our estate vineyard in the Mt. George foothills just south of Stag’s Leap. While the soul of Affinity has always come from this site, by transitioning Affinity to a single-vineyard release we are able to capture the essential, focused identity of this extraordinary site.
In recent years, the hillside vineyard has been farmed for higher stress levels and better uniformity throughout. The cane-pruned 30-year-old vines bear just 2.8 tons per acre, offering a rare display of the volcanic, stony soils in the finished wine. The structure in the 2014 is incredibly dense, coming from some of the smallest berries we’ve ever received from La Londe – a result of early budbreak, extended hang time and the third year of a major drought. The 2014 has tremendous depth and concentration, with opulent black raspberry and black currant flavors wrapped in fragrant aromas of licorice, incense and spice box.
Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of ripe fruit, walnuts and dark chocolate with some cloves. Full body, chewy tannins and a extracted finish. Lots of phenolic character. A little old school in style this year, but it shows promise. Better in 2020.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Their least expensive wine from 2014 is their blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc called Affinity. Delicious black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, some spice box, licorice and incense are all present in this supple-textured, medium to full-bodied, opulent wine, which is sexy, lush and ideal for drinking over the next decade or more. The color is a healthy dense purple, and the wine full-bodied and textured, with a beautiful finish and real harmony. Drink it over the next decade.
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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.