Winemaker Notes
The Kayli Morgan Vineyard is located just north of Saint Helena, California at the base of Howell Mountain. The soils are a chocolaty clay; holding moisture to keep the vines cool. As summer progresses, the ground forms micro-cracks, allowing the roots to seek water deeper anddeeper into the earth; as they do, they pick up minerals that give Kayli Morgan its distinctive characteristics. Kayli Morgan is a single estatevineyard and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Defines the modern, cult Napa Cabernet style, albeit at a hefty price. Soft and rich tannins and liberally oaked, it shows massively ripe blackberry, cherry and sandalwood flavors, with a meaty, slightly funky note that adds interest. Easy to like right out of the bottle, it's so decadent. With high alcohol, it doesn't seem like a longterm ager, so drink over the next six years.
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Wine Spectator
A rich, supple, graceful style, with gentle layers of wild berry, plum, black licorice, crème de cassis and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and great length. Drink now through 2022.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard emerges from the glass with dark plums, black cherries, espresso, mint, licorice and leather. It shows gorgeous balance and harmony in its centered, beautifully articulated personality. All the elements come together beautifully in this rich, fabulous wine. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
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.