Winemaker Notes
This vintage of Caterwaul expresses an impressive array of decadent fruit, exotic spice and mouth-watering structure. In the glass, the wine exhibits a completely opaque, deep purple hue with a dark violet halo. Aromas swell from the glass in waves of black cherry, plum reduction, aromatic wood, eucalyptus and pine bough. The palate is marked by a very sleek, polished mouth-feel. Complex notes of roasted meat, cassis, quince, macerated blackberry and nutmeg are intricately layered, framed by a complimentary acidity. This wine offers a wealth of pure Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon character that is readily accessible today and should age well in the cellar for decades.
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.