Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is the winery’s top bottling from the estate vineyard, off Highway 29 in St. Helena. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows the variety’s blackberry and cherry flavors, with notes of violets and milk chocolate. New oak to the tune of 70% adds a rich, caramelly smokiness. Very delicious, and should develop for a few years, although the softness limits longterm cellaring.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A beautiful effort, Ehlers Estate’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 is an homage to their founder, Bernard Ehlers, who first planted vines here in 1886. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with a broad bouquet of black raspberries, black currants, cherries, spice and even a floral component. Medium to full-bodied with abundant fruit, purity and texture, it should drink well for at least a decade.
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Wine Spectator
Smooth, rich and generous, full-bodied and intense without being heavy or ponderous, offering a mix of ripe plum, kirsch and wild berry. Holds its focus, ending with a long, layered finish. Drink now through 2017. 800 cases made.
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.