Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Lithology Napa Valley has that typical saturated to the rim deep purple color with lots of red hues. On the nose, this Cabernet delights your senses with aromas of coffee, tobacco, a great balance of both red and black fruit, and just a hint of oak. It showcases an elegant balance of acid while displaying hints of cocoa, cranberry, and candied raspberries. There’s an herbaceousness of sage, and tapenade. An elegant and almost savory finish with hints of salinity and olive, this year’s Lithology expresses fine tannins which seem to linger for just the right amount of time.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe appellation 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Napa Valley is a rock-solid, unquestionably outstanding Cabernet that’s worth seeking out. Giving up lots of red and black fruits, notes of leather, loamy earth, and dried herbs, medium to full body, and beautiful balance on the palate, drink it over the coming 10-15 years. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in 61% new French oak. Best After 2022
This is pretty and aromatic with notes of blueberries, black raspberries, cloves, licorice and graphite. It shows mellow ripeness yet it is crunchy and fresh on the palate, with polished tannins with some chalkiness. Vibrant and delicious with hints of dried herbs and spices at the end.
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.