Winemaker Notes
The wine has a deep, complex aroma of ripe dark berries, cassis, plum, and baking spices, with hints of toasty vanilla, clove, and cola. The palate is loaded with forward dark fruits and silky, round tannins that help keep the layers of flavor present through the incredibly long finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking beautifully right now and will continue to develop complexity for many years to come.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon shows up with excellent depth and balance. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits a bright and active aroma and flavors of ripe red and black fruits with oak shading. Serve it with grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: March 2, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.