Winemaker Notes
The mineral, graphite and black thorny-vine fruits are all on full display in this mountain sourced wine. The tiny clusters that proliferated in 2022 at high elevations in the Napa Valley provide strength and structure in this deeply colored Bordeaux blend. A more judicious use of new French Oak helps the dark fruit to pour from the glass and extend on the palate.
Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 2% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A powerful yet slightly restrained wine with sweet spices on the nose and generous dark-fruit flavors on the palate. A full body and fine-grained tannins support black cherries, star anise, black licorice, iron and blackcurrants.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 2% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, Robert Craig's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is primarily assembled from more forward lots from the winery's holdings on Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder but does include some Rutherford fruit as well. Aged 18 months in 40% new French oak, it boasts bold aromas of blueberries, cassis, vanilla and cedar.
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Tasting Panel
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is a terrific entry-level offering from Robert Craig. Floral overtones and vibrant acids lend lovely polish to match the Affinity's mid-weight personality. This is so well balanced. Most of this fruit is from young vines on Howell Mountain.
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.