Winemaker Notes
Layers of red-toned fruits, blackberry bramble, and forest floor on the nose, with subtle undertones of baking spices. The fruit darkens on the pallet, with intense black cherry laced with cocoa nib, and anise. These more dominant dark notes slowly yield to dried fruit and warming clove notes on the finish. The wine builds brilliantly, developing structure, while maintaining a lively delicacy. The soft plush tannins continue evolving, creating a long pleasing finish.
Blend: 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Nicely packed, with loganberry and black cherry compote flavors as well as a healthy mix of singed apple wood, melted black licorice and bramble. Shows light tarry grip through the finish, keeping good energy. Drink now through 2035.
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.