Winemaker Notes
Sourced almost entirely from the Celestial block, one of the highest blocks on the estate, only 415 cases of the 2012 Somerston Estate Cabernet were produced. It represents the pinnacle of the quality possible from the mountain property.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
I like the blackberry, mint and lavender aromas and flavors in this. Full-bodied, very velvety and chewy, yet has a bright undertone of acidity. Persistent. Better in 2019. Top 100 Reds of Napa Valley 2016 #69
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another winner, and a big, juicy style of wine (which seems to be Craig Becker’s Midas touch) is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine, which sees some new oak, is a powerhouse with rich, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit, some dusty, loamy soil notes, real succulence and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2012 Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant and youthfully fresh. Flying in the face of trendier fuller, layered, and slightly sweet styles, this wine showcases balance and style. The perfectly ripe flavors make it an excellent choice with grilled lamb chops. Drinks nicely now. (Tasted: October 5, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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.