Chimney Rock Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Front Label
Chimney Rock Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Chimney Rock is only one of a handful of wineries exclusively producing all Stags Leap District estate Cabernets, and the 2009 is another homerun for them. A fairly dry spring yielded their winemaking team with small and densely flavored Cabernet Sauvignon berries. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were of equally superb quality.

This blend represents a seductive tapestry of the winery's diverse vineyard blocks which illustrates the power and grace of the unique Stags Leap District terroir. Rich garnet red in color with aromas of bright cherry and notes of blueberry and black currant. There are intricate hints of vanilla, violets and clove. This wine is pure elegance on the palate. The silkiest of tannins coated by a lush mid-palate end with a ever-soft but lingering finish.

Professional Ratings

  • 92
    It would be easy to dismiss this as just another Napa fruit-oak bomb, except that the lusciousness is accompanied by a fine structure that may even permit this Cab to age for a few years. It has the usual spectrum of ripe blackberries, cherries, cassis and chocolate, but the acid-tannin balance lends it elegance.
  • 90
    Potent, ripe nose of blueberry, chocolate and toasty oak. Velvety palate with polished black fruits, mint, rounded tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Stylish and balanced with very good.
    Drink 2014–2025
Chimney Rock Winery

Chimney Rock Winery

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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.

SWS356964_2010 Item# 129342