Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
At present, the 1976 is undoubtedly the greatest B.V. Private Reserve made in the last 30 years. The wine, which has been spectacular from its release, continues to be the richest, most exotic of all the B.V. Private Reserves I have tasted. Did the monumental 1951 resemble this wine at a similar age? The 1976 is full-bodied, with a huge, intoxicating perfume of sweet black and red fruits, earth, Asian spices, roasted herbs, and toasty oak. This massive, full-bodied, super-concentrated, fragrant, alcoholic wine is close to full maturity. It is the quintessential example of the B.V. Private Reserve style - the likes of which has not been made since. It should continue to drink well for another 20 years.
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.