Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Affinity Cabernet is gorgeous, with up-front aromas of black cherry, blueberry pie, dried floral tones and a dose of baking spices. Blueberry pie and plum emerge on the bright palate, which offers both grip and angularity on a long, lingering finish. This release shows well upon release — with a beautiful, inherent suppleness.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Savory aromas of black olives, charcoal, dried blueberries and leaves. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Concentrated dried-berry flavors with crushed gravel on the finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The entry-level wine, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec. Aged 18 months in 70% new barrels, this deeply hued blend is a plush, medium to full-bodied effort that has plenty of black fruits, tobacco, chocolate, and dried spice-like aromas and flavors. It shows the austerity in its tannins that's common in the vintage yet offers plenty of fruit as well as purity.
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.