Winemaker Notes
The 2013 is a power example of our Old Vine bottling showing a deep ruby to purple hue. The aromas are bold and illuminated with
blueberry- candied cassis followed by hints of toasted cocoa nibs, spice licorice and sandalwood to toffee like notes. There are ginger cake and black strap molasses notes as well. The palate is big and broad yet fleshy and expansive with flavors of candied red current, Asian style spices and wild sage.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
he aromas and depth to this red show so much black currant, moss and wet bark character. Full-bodied, chewy and substantial. It's mouth-filling yet so persistent and impressive. Goes on for minutes. Wonderful for aging but an inspiring wine to drink young.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine has gorgeously pure blueberry and blackcurrant fruit, floral notes, stunning concentration, wonderfully sweet velvety tannins, voluptuous texture and a skyscraper-like mid-palate and length. This is a killer effort from David Arthur and should continue to drink well for another 15-20 years.
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Wine Spectator
The presence of smoky, charry oak is woven throughout, with taut blackberry, mocha and spice notes. Ends on a woody aftertaste, but the fruit is more than equal to the task. Drink now through 2026.
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.