Winemaker Notes

This wine has a lighter red fruit character in the nose, more on the lines of raspberries and strawberries than blackberries, with a suggestion of cloves, violets and sweet candied flavors. There are hints of spice in the nose, with cedar, licorice, leather and red current. The 16 months in barrels imparts a toasted nut flavor to the wine, highlighting the spice and the touch of mint in the mouth. There is a slightly exotic, yet pretty flavor in this wine, with enough extraction of light fruits and a good acid balance to make this vintage attractive. This wine has a soft mouthfeel with elegant tannins, led by earthy and herbal flavors of dried herbs and spices lingering in the mouth. These earthy, almost mushroomy characteristics remind me of the rich juices in a pot-roast; this would be a great wine with lamb shanks or spicy pork roast, and is ready for immediate enjoyment.

Professional Ratings

    St. Clement Vineyards

    St. Clement Vineyards

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    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.

    HEI740105_1998 Item# 43084