Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThis is a blockbuster of a wine, especially at the price, opening in violet aromas and moderate grip. Beautiful black- and red-cherry, currant and baking-spice elements combine around a core of classic elegance and length, finishing in cigar box. The fruit is from four estate sites. Editors’ Choice.
The appellation 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley would be a great buy for those looking for a terrific value in classic, impeccably made, age-worthy Cabernet under $100. Deep purple, with oustanding notes of blackcurrants, cedarwood, graphite, and leafy herbs, this medium-bodied, elegant 2018 has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's going to deliver loads of pleasure over the coming 15 years.
A rich, layered red with berries, some walnuts and spice. Full-bodied and chewy with lots of tannins now. Needs time to soften. Try after 2023.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color, offering gregarious notes of baked black plums, licorice, crème de cassis and mocha plus nuances of tar and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is filled with a compelling purity of black fruit flavors and lovely freshness, textured by soft, plush tannins, finishing long with an exhilarating pepper and spice burst.
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.