Winemaker Notes
The aromas reflect the classic "Rutherford Dust" notes of black cherry. The wine is medium full-bodied, with deep cherry-mineral, currant-anise flavors, and this vintage has a fine veneer of tannins combined with good acidity to support up to fifteen years of aging.
A fine wine to drink young with grilled steaks, roast leg of lamb with shallots, or a ripe wedge of Fontina or aged Vermont cheddar cheese.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Very distinctive mint, bay leaf and coconut aromas, with focused currant, spice, currant and bell pepper, turning firm and tannic on the finish.
Barrel Sample: 92-95
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Wine Enthusiast
Beaulieu's flagship wine does not have the volume of the best vintages, but it is still a beautiful wine, oozing black currant and cigar-box flavors. The dusty tannins create a lush, velvety texture that displays great balance and charm.
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.