Winemaker Notes
Claudia, whose family created the world-renowned Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, as well as her sister Bettina's highly acclaimed Angele Restaurant in Napa, acquired a passion for wine and haute cuisine at an early age. Her European background and appreciation for how wine and food should complement one another has greatly influenced the style of wines we produce.
Over the course of nearly two decades, Corey has experimented with farming methods, fermentation techniques and barrel selections. Each vintage is an opportunity to glean new insights into this craft. The result of all these experiences is that we've learned where the best fruit grows and have developed the artistry to bottle some pretty remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.