Winemaker Notes
The 2010 is similar to the 2006 in its exquisite balance of fruit, acid and tannin, and has gained considerable complexity since it was reviewed by The Wine Advocate. The ample structure and compact nature of the wine require one or two hours of decanting, after which it drinks elegantly because of its impeccable balance. The 2010 echoes a Left Bank Bordeaux in character. It is also their first release to include a small portion of Cabernet Franc from a new vineyard block we planted in 2007. There is no question it will continue to gain nuance with a few more years of cellaring, and should have a very long life ahead.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking in its beauty. A warm, resonant bouquet redolent of espresso, mocha, French oak, sweet herbs and tobacco leads to an expressive core of fruit in this rich, sumptuous wine. Full-bodied, rich and intense, yet supported by veins of incisive minerality, the 2010 impresses for its exceptional balance. The combination of finesse and overall harmony is nothing short of compelling. The estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the most distinctive wines in Napa Valley. I can hardly wait to see how the 2010 develops in bottle over the coming years.
Rating: 95+
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Wine Spectator
Plump, rich and fleshy, featuring a ripe edge of plum jam, with touches of cherry, anise, cedar and loamy earth woven in. Gains depth and plushness on the finish.
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.