Winemaker Notes
An archetypal, old-world Sauvignon nose laden with classic aromas of cassis and black cherry redolent with violet-lifted black olives and green peppercorns rising out of an earthy bed of resonant loam and pure humus spiced by a tease of pimento, cedar and bay leaf cascades onto a rich and vibrant palate of anise highlighted blackcurrants and peppered plums speckled with shavings of dark chocolate and cocoa nibs energized by tingly notes of powdered minerals and a fresh acidity that also gives life and length to the well formed tannins.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This shows fresh-herb and dried-berry character with hints of meat. Menthol. Full body. Round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Showing beautifully. Wonderful to drink now.
-
Wine Enthusiast
The 2008 vintage wasn't the greatest ever in Napa, and this isn't the greatest ever Staglin Cabernet. But it is one of the successes of the vintage, showing how a great winery rises over vintage limitations. Feels lush and dramatic in the mouth, with lush, smooth tannins housing classic Cabernet flavors of black currants, plums, green olives and dark chocolate, accented with spicy, smoky oak. Should develop in the bottle over at least six years, and could be one of those sleepers that surprises in 20.
-
Wine Spectator
This gorgeous, enticing, richly flavored wine is remarkable for its understated elegance and finesse, with subtle touches of green and black olive, dried currant, sage, cedar and dusty, loamy earth. Wows you with delicacy. Very typical of Rutherford. Drink now through 2022. 2,500 cases made.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a denser ruby/purple color, more structure and tannin, and hints of toasty oak intermixed with tobacco leaf, black currant and graphite. Slightly closed but very promising, it has a medium to full-bodied, youthful, pure style as well as a wonderful length and finish. Cellar it for several more years and drink it over the following two decades.
Rating: 91+
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.