Winemaker Notes
Deep, intense dark fruit character with mineral, violet and earthy truffle complexity. Firm, integrated tannins for aging, persistent finish. Powerful, yet extremely elegant.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The best Reserve offering since 1994 is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a 13,000-case blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec and Petit Verdot. Half of the fruit emerges from the To-Kalon Vineyard. It possesses a pH of 3.7, and the alcohol is over 14%. Reminiscent of such vintages as 1990, 1991, and 1994, it boasts a saturated purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of white chocolate, flowers, black currants, blackberries, and cigar smoke. Powerful, rich, and concentrated with admirable purity, a layered texture, and a 45+ second finish, this is a superb effort. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+.
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Wine Enthusiast
Contains 67% To Kalon Vineyard fruit. Still a baby. Closed, brooding, very deep, very dry. Fabulous cassis fruit, a huge wine. Lots of delicious, sweet new oak. Superbly balanced, impressive. Drinkable now, but best 2010–2020.
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Wine Spectator
A superrich, polished, multifaceted wine, with layers of ripe currant, blackberry, herb, cedar, sage and a touch of pencil lead. Deep and concentrated, the flavors pour through on the finish, and while the tannins are chewy, the texture is supple. Best from 2005 through 2012.
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.