Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesDeep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon jumps up out of the glass with ready-for-business scents of crushed black currants, blackberry pie and stewed plums plus suggestions of bay leaves, pencil lead, clove oil and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with fresh, crunchy black fruits, supported by a firm, grainy frame and bold freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.
A medium-bodied red with aromas and flavors of black cherries, dried rosemary, potpourri and dark chocolate. Sleek, well-integrated tannins and lifting freshness on the finish. Try from 2021.
The appellation-based 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley reveals a more medium-bodied, elegant, lively style as well as an herbaceous edge in its ripe red and black currant fruits and tobacco and leafy herb notes. Nicely balanced, charming, and already enjoyable, it should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years.
Separated from the Napa Valley floor by a north/south running ridge, the world-renowned wineries of Joseph Heitz and Joseph Phelps are located on the west side of this ridge and the Anderson's Estate Vineyards are on the east side at a perfect elevation of 400 feet.
The vineyards not only enjoy Napa Valley's superb microclimate, but share the same Bale Loam Series as are found on the famous Rutherford Bench. This combination of clay-loam soil and microclimate produces up to 106 tons of exceptional fruit each year. One from which a world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blend, called Éloge, can be artfully handcrafted.
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.