Winemaker Notes
Explosion of cassis, peaches, cherries, raspberry jam, violet, lavender, vanilla beans, and cotton candy. Soft entrance evolving on a lush but full-bodied midpalate, lingering on dense but granular tannins with a
touch of tulip, plum, cassis, elderberry, cherry liquor finishing with iris, pomegranate
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship wine from this estate is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon ERA, which is based on a barrel selection from the single vineyard releases. Deep purple-colored, with a gorgeous bouquet of blueberries, violets, graphite, dark chocolate, and scorched earth, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful sense of balance, no hard edges, and a great finish. This is straight-up gorgeous, with the elegance and freshness of the estate front and center.
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Wine Enthusiast
Juicy and richly interwoven with a fresh underlay of acidity, this powerhouse blend is substantially etched in cassis, plum and red currant. The oak and tannin are equally substantial and present, contributing weight, breadth and length. This will do well to cellar; enjoy best from 2027–2032.
Cellar Selection -
James Suckling
This spins off the palate with blackberries, meat, tobacco and currants. Medium-to full-bodied, refined and so drinkable with brightness and energy.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Containing 5% Malbec, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon ERA has a very deep purple-black color and scents of crème de cassis, chocolate box and blueberry compote wafting from the glass, allowing glimpses at cedar chest, tobacco, black olive, yeast extract and truffles nuances. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderful juxtaposition of vivacious flavors and structured elegance, finishing with finely grained texture.
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Wine Spectator
A hefty, full-bore version, with intense raspberry and boysenberry reduction notes, infused liberally with licorice snap and warm fruitcake flavors, ending with a swath of fruit and additional spice and toast accents. Has the drive and definition to pull it off. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2030.
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.