Winemaker Notes
The 2010 CJ is a seductive, opulent wine exhibiting dark purple/ruby color with characteristics of licorice, spice, tobacco and plenty of black currant along with good plushness and a long, luxurious finish. Despite a couple of storms in October, we harvested the grapes in a perfect condition of ripeness which yields a wine with great finesse, earthy tones and beautiful tannins. This vintage will be considered as one of the finest in Napa Valley.
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Pure, rich blackberry, wild berry, licorice and cedar notes impart a solid range of focused flavors. The tannins are firm, chewy and ripe, with a finish that glides.
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.