Winemaker Notes
A vibrant purple hue hints at the wine’s depth and richness. The nose is inviting, revealing a complex bouquet of leather and cedar, intermingled with dark fruits like blackberry and a touch of cranberry. On the palate, flavors of ripe plum come to the forefront while baking spices and a hint of herbal character adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The finish is both balanced and long. A slightly drying sensation lingers, inviting another sip.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Seeing the addition of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, this teeth-grabber aged 16 months in Hungarian and American oak. Basil-seasoned plum and black cherry dominate the palate along with notes of tomato leaf, cinnamon, cedar, and milk chocolate while meeting up with superfine tannins, rounding out the wine's richness.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.