Winemaker Notes
Platinum is a wine designed to bring a singular thought to life: great wines come from great vineyards, and never so much as when the winemaking and winegrowing teams work hand in hand to carefully nurture the finest fruit toward a well-rewarded harvest. In 2015, Platinum Cabernet exhibits the purity of fruit expression, polished tannins and rich texture that are the essential signature of this rich, full-bodied wine. In this vintage the wine is showing more red fruits than previous vintages, with slightly sweeter vanilla tones from the American oak. Tannins are well developed, framing a wine with great structure and balance. Classic Napa Cabernet notes of mocha and cassis join Bing cherry accented with pepper and oak spice, caramel toffee and layered flavors that leave a lasting, subtly sweet impression.
Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 6% Malbec.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A floral cabernet with pressed violets, fresh blackcurrants, hay and black licorice. The palate has a pretty, herbal edge to it, as well as firm tannins, bright acidity, and a medium-chewy 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.