Winemaker Notes
During this wine's youth, we suggest coaxing its aromatics and flavors to the fore by gently swirling it in the glass, to increase the exposure to oxygen. Swirl and then savor the welcoming scents of dried rose petals, smoke, and sandalwood, followed by hints of green olives, date, black pepper, and cedar. This rich array is echoed in the mouth, which fills with flavors of green olives, sandalwood, and black cherry. The wine's complexity continues to unfold as the finish slowly, gracefully recedes. Time will take this wondrous wine to even greater heights. For now, pair it with penne tossed with roasted eggplant and late summer heirloom tomatoes, generously topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, or a skirt marinated in garlicspiked olive oil, then grilled over wood.
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.