Winemaker Notes
2018 is Jason Price’s first vintage as head winemaker at Robert Craig Winery after many years in the associate winemaker role. Jason’s attention to detail shows in all the wines, and Affinity 2018 is no exception. La Londe Vineyard in Coombsville was planted by John Caldwell in 1988 on 5C rootstock, and I sometimes wish it were 110R or any other variation that did better in such stony soil. However, the wine exhibits a tremendous sense of site. Though Affinity is our least expensive Cabernet, it is no less cellar worthy than our mountain wine offerings.
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, cedar, dried herbs, forest floor and cigar box. Full body with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced, structured and focused. Drink from 2023.
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Jeb Dunnuck
I've always loved this wine, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is another solid vintage for the estate. Lots of currants, blackberries, smoked herbs, graphite, and charcoal notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant texture and outstanding length. It's a classic, impeccably made Cabernet to enjoy any time over the coming 10-15 years.
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.