Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
From winemakers Dave Lattin and David Ramey, this tremendous wine is sourced from both Coombsville and Yountville, with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot in the blend, the latter from Soda Canyon. Smoky cigar, tar and meat direct the nose, atop concentrated, dark, brooding fruit and leathery tannins. Cellar through 2020. Cella Selection.
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Wine Spectator
A taut, gutsy effort. While the core of dark berry, earth, cedar and tobacco is chewy, the tannins are not to be minimized. Finishes with plum and black cherry details. Drink now through 2028.
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James Suckling
A soft and juicy red with dried fruit and spice character. Full-bodied, round and flavorful.
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.