Winemaker Notes
Coming in at 2.25 tons off of two acres, there isn’t much of this to go around. That fact plus the recent track record of this bottling leads us to expect the 2017 Lore to sell out faster than any Cabernet we have ever relesased. Of all the wines across all the projects, this might be the closest thing to its 2016 edition. Its brooding black-fruited minerality belies the vintage. There’s a density and power here that could be confused with 2013. The yield without question contributed to this. The quality of farming here too has improved with healthier canopies allowing this vineyard to survive the afternoon sun it is routinely subjected to. Grab this while it lasts and know if you miss out, more is coming in 2018.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A final tank blend ready for bottling, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard displays a deep garnet-purple color, offering notions of prunes, crème de cassis, dried flowers, exotic spices, fruit cake, smoked meats and tilled soil with a touch of iron ore. Full-bodied, firm and taut, it has a lovely backbone of seamless freshness lending definition to the muscular palate, finishing with impressively long-lasting savory and spice layers. 125 cases will be made. Rating 93-95.
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.