Winemaker Notes
Driven by dark fruit, predominantly blackberry and cassis, the aromas are rich and intense. They are closely followed by spicy clove and vanilla before yielding to pipe tobacco and a touch of caramel. On the palate, the tannins are quite supple and dance between elevating the subtle streak of minerality and foiling the acid that slices through the body of the wine with zest and freshness. Strawberry and cranberry sauce highlight the transition to the finish and apex as the breadth of the wine expands. Here the tannins are more sandy, but they are a fine contrast to the soft, sweet fruit, expressing now as cola, graphite and black cherry.
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot , 0.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc
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.