Winemaker Notes
The grapes for the Generations Cabernet Sauvignon come from our estate vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena as well as select nearby growers in St. Helena, Rutherford and Oakville. All vineyard locations are on the valley floor with gravelly alluvial fan soils, ideal for growing high quality Cabernet Sauvignon. By blending grapes from all three appellations, we are able to make a wine that represents the best of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2006 growing season was marked by mild spring and summer weather extending ripening periods by several weeks. The grapes for Generations were hand picked and sorted the first two weeks of October.
Food Pairing: This wine pairs amazingly with a juicy filet mignon or rib eye with sautéed mushrooms, grey sea salt crusted prime rib, roast duck breast with figs, braised beef short ribs, rack of lamb, wild game or Coq Au Vin.
Cellaring Potential: Generations Cabernet is delicious at release with the potential to age 15-20 years past the vintage date.
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.