Winemaker Notes
They hand sorted their grapes both prior to and after de-stemming, and following a four day whole berry maceration and cold soak, they began primary fermentation. After nearly three weeks, the wine was gently pressed-off and racked to 80% new Darnajou, Ermitage, and Cadus 36 month-aged tight grain French Oak barrels to complete a slow secondary fermentation for another few months. This wine is still in barrel under development, is showing amazing saturation of color, and will be bottle aged for around 2 years before its release.
Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard is a rich, heady wine. Effusive aromatics and exuberant fruit give the 2018 so much immediacy and charm. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice meld together effortlessly. This seamless, opulent St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon will drink well right out of the gate and drink well for another 10-15 years, maybe more.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of cassis, tobacco, lead pencil, and plum notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced Cabernet that has notable purity of fruit, some background oak, and outstanding length. It's going to evolve for 10-15 years.
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Decanter
A deep, dark, plush showing of this classic St. Helena vineyard. Blackberry jam, iron and bloodline aromas. The palate is powerful and velvety, leaving off with chewy but elegant tannins. Very enjoyable.
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James Suckling
Blackberries, some spices and vanilla on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with soft tannins, a refreshing texture and great drinkability. Rather short, savory finish. But very enjoyable.
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.