Winemaker Notes
Deep shades of purple, and rich dark-red hues, signal that this is a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, dark chocolate and notes of oak precede balanced acidity and firm tannins. With forward fruit, and welcome mineral undertones, this is a perfectly balanced wine that is approachable now, yet will age beautifully. The grapes from throughout the valley that were farmed to make this wine, provide a natural diversity of flavors.
Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Blended with 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this bold fullbodied red impresses in its thick, intensely concentrated layers of rich red fruit and leathery texture. The tannins are well integrated and firmly structured, with new French oak showing in the swathes of vanilla and toast
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it comes strutting out of the glass with confident, classic cassis, warm plums and cedar chest notes with touches of pencil lead, bouquet garni and tilled soil plus a waft of cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with bags of black fruit and spicy sparks, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note.
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.