Winemaker Notes
The 2007 Sullenger has the blackberry and black cherry flavors that seemto express themselves so often in Oakville, but it is the velvety texture andchewiness of this wine on the palate that emphasizes its alluring qualities.The consistency of the flavors, as promised by the aromas, carries throughto a finish that is in fact, mouth watering.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From a valley floor vineyard, the opaque purple-hued 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard offers up restrained aromas of subtle smoke, graphite and black fruits. More narrowly constructed and tannic, it is among the most backward wines in this portfolio, possessing a Bordeaux-like structure and flavor profile. It requires 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 years.
91+ points. -
Wine & Spirits
From the vineyard surrounding the Nickel and Nickel winery in Oakville, this grows on the valley floor just north of the Oakville Crossroad and east of 29. It's a floral cabernet with scents of roses and hints of green. The cherry flavors fill out a fleshy texture, while tart sanguine tannins provide a touch of bitterness to balance the fruit. this needs several years in the cellar to meld.
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.