Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Firm, rich and smooth, framed by silky ripe tannins. This plush, muscular wine offers mounds of black currant, blackberry, plum, chocolate, coffee, anise, spice and herb flavors. Long and sleek on the finish.
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Wine Spectator
Impressive for its display of intensity, depth and balance. A marriage of spicy currant, toasty mocha-scented oak, red cherry, plum and anise. Turns smooth and polished with fine-grain tannins and excellent length. Best from 2004 through 2012. 510 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There are 500 cases of the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon). Its saturated purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of cassis, blueberries, spicy oak, licorice, and smoke. While it exhibits surprising opulence, fat, and richness, it is not quite as spectacular as I predicted from cask. Nevertheless, this high octane Cabernet Sauvignon should age nicely for 14-15 years.
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.