Winemaker Notes
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Robert Craig is still one of the most consistent wineries in terms of quality and keeping pricing within realistic levels, not something frequently seen in Napa Valley.
The least expensive wine is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity, the estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the foothills just south of Stag’s Leap blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. An absolutely stunning value in Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, the wine has an inky/purple color, a big sweet kiss of créme de cassis, spice box, mocha and assorted black fruits. It is full-bodied and ripe with low acidity and sweet tannins. This wine is showy and up front, but has enough stuffing to last 7-10 years or more.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2012 Robert Craig Affinity gives Bordeaux left bank favorites (Lynch Bages, Durhart-Milon, Gruaud Larose) a run for their money. Packs loads of ripe fruit with a nice cushion of oak for textures and satisfaction. Deep ruby, blackish color; lots of dried wood in the nose, some ripe berries, medium depth; medium bodied, kind of bold on the palate; dry, medium acidity, good balance; ripe red fruit flavors, some sweet oak; medium finish, hint of tar in the aftertaste. (Tasted: August 27, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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.