Winemaker Notes
Concentrated aromas of Bing cherry, plum and blackberry are layered with earthy notes of molasses and tobacco. Rich flavors of plum and berry carry through on the palate and are enhanced by hints of black pepper, leading to a long and powerful finish. This wine would greatly complement a creamy cheese like brie and plays well with black pepper spice.
Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Petit Verdot 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Halo checks in as 97% Cabernet Sauvignon with splashes of Petit Verdot and Malbec, all from the Oak Knoll District and raised in barrel. Blackcurrants, minty herbs, sage, and spicy oak define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a nicely balanced, layered mouthfeel, firm yet balanced tannins, and a good finish. Give it a few years. It's a rock-solid, classic, old school-styled Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that will evolve for 15-20 years if well stored.
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James Suckling
A full-bodied red with blackberries, creamy cherries and sweet oak spices on the nose. Plenty of volume and ripe fruit on the palate with vanilla and dark chocolate character. Plush tannins with a vivid 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.