Winemaker Notes
The wine displays amazingly deep dark color. Aromas include dark, ripe cherries with a touch of cassis, licorice and brambly sage. The new French oak adds a bit of mocha toastiness. On the palate the wine is very powerful with firm but approachable tannins, great complexity and a long finish.
Professional Ratings
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The Somm Journal
Celebrated winemaker Joel Aiken is at his best with this masterfully crafted red sourced from both Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and Sage Ridge Vineyard, perched high on the hills above Lake Hennessey. Concentrated notes of cedar, slate, and a slathering of grainy-textured dark chocolate meld with black cherry and plum. Sophisticated and regally structured.
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Tasting Panel
Celebrated winemaker Joel Aiken is at his best with this masterfully crafted red sourced from both Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and Ridge Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Concentrated notes of cedar, slate, and a slathering of grainy-textured dark chocolate meld with black cherry and plum. Sophisticated and regally structured.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Scattered Peaks Small Lot Cabernet delivers a well-designed, finely-conceived, bundle of beautiful and refined black fruit aromas and flavors. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers classic blackberries and oaky notes that flow beautifully through the wine's long finish. (Tasted: April 28, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Winemaker Joel Aiken has sourced from two stellar vineyards here: Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and Judy Jordan’s Sage Ridge Vineyard high in the eastern hills of Howell Mountain. Crunchy, high-toned cassis and red currant lift an earthy undertone of dusty dark chocolate and black olive, finding plenty of length and full-bodied grace
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Wine Spectator
Waves of red and black currant preserves unfold slowly here, supported by well-embedded tar, licorice root and singed mesquite notes. Shows serious heft, but cut and fresh acidity line the finish. A late iron detail checks in, keeping this grounded. Best from 2022 through 2032.
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.