Winemaker Notes
The 2013 vintage had plentiful winter rain followed by a warm spring, resulting in early bud break. A warm and occasionally hot summer continued to speed vine growth. A mildly warm fall and patience allowed for optimal hang time to achieve the complex flavors, ripeness, and power of a great vintage.
Pair with herb roasted prime rib and porcini mushroom tarts. Drink through 2035.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
More civilized and supple is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Veraison Stagecoach Vineyard, a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec and the rest smaller portions of Bordeaux varietals. The wine shows supple tannins, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit and is a much more near-term proposition for drinking than its sibling. It can be consumed now, or cellared for 20 or more years. This is a beauty.
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.
Just northeast of Napa city, Atlas Peak boasts some of Napa Valley’s highest elevation vineyards. Here the intense sunlight coupled with cool, nighttime temperatures produce grapes that are perfectly ripe, balanced and concentrated. The appellation is rich in volcanic soils and excels in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.