Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Harvested all before the fires, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label is a juicy, rock star of a Napa blend that has lots of chocolate fruit, tobacco, and spice to go with a full-bodied, juicy, opulent style on the palate. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years.
-
James Suckling
Lots of ripe fruit with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and flowers. Hint of lavender. Full-bodied, layered and balanced with a fine tannin structure. Very nicely crafted for the vintage.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Coming from the Lewelling, Criscione and Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyards, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 65% new French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and delivers exuberant black cherries, ripe plums and crème de cassis notes with nuances of fallen leaves, pencil lead and charcoal plus a touch of dried herbs. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, it packs in the black fruit and earthy layers, finishing with a mineral kick.
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.