Winemaker Notes
2006 is a very good vintage. A cool, wet spring lead to a late harvest, two weeks behind normal. A July heat spell was followed by moderate August and September temperatures, and excellent slow, even ripening. The conditions resulted in densely woven wines with dark fruit, big structure and rich texture.
Intense nose of ripe cherries, cassis, chocolate, anise, with subtle notes of sage and tobacco. Layered and rich.
Dense and full-bodied with ripe blackberry, black cherry, coffee, and cassis flavors. Richly structured with a supple mouthfeel and velvety tannins, leading to a smooth and elegant finish of mocha and plum.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot, and 4% Malbec
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.