Winemaker Notes
For Napa Valley Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, the winemaking process started by picking fruit at optimum physiological maturity. Once in the cellar, we kept wine lots separated by individual vineyard. The wine underwent extended maceration up to 60 days in some cases, and we re-evaluated the progress of each lot before moving the wine to classic Bordeaux and Burgundy barrels (70% new oak, 30% seasoned) where it underwent malolactic fermentation, and was racked every 4 to 6 months until blending 20 months later.
Dark red with purple hues. A seamless blend of crème de cassis, hazelnut, cocoa, blackberry preserves, charred meat, and blackberry pie along with hints of dark licorice, stewed rhubarb, strawberry, spice and vanillin. Rich and satisfying with dark chocolate, yogurt, molasses, brown sugar and rhubarb notes presented in perfect balance with higher-toned fruit emphasis.
Pair with cowboy-cut, grilled rib eye steak with a pepper sauce; lamb chops with balsamic reduction; or a charcuterie platter with smoked duck breast, dry-cured pork sausage, figs, pecans and sliced apple.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Intense and vibrant, with an expressive core of blackberry, black cherry, cedar and anise flavors, ending with a long roasted plum aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
It is a brave new world in the realm of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and the 2015 Quilt is a clear example of extra richness via higher alcohol and smoothness from a little bit of residual sugar. This bold red wine pairs well with barbecue pork ribs and a side of a sweet, spicy sauce.
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.