Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is largely sourced from their Sacrashe Vineyard. The color is dense ruby/purple. The wine is very young, and less evolved than many of its peers, but bursting with potential. Lots of blueberry and black raspberry fruit with a hint of mocha and background oak are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, absolutely spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a long-distance runner, although not so much because of the tannic structure, because the fruit seems younger and more primary than some of its siblings. Nevertheless, it is loaded with potential promise, and as Kathryn Hall says so frequently, “Magic.” This full-bodied, classic Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa should hit its prime in 4-5 years and last at least two decades or more.
Rating: 97+ -
Wine Enthusiast
Pulling from both the Sacrashe and Bergfeld vineyards, as well as other partner sites, this is a tremendously impressive wine, bright in herb, cedar and cassis, with soft, integrated tannins. Concentrated, it maintains elegance despite the full-bodied luxuriousness, finishing in decadent chocolate. Drink now through 2022. Cellar Selection.
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Wine Spectator
Aromas of red candy and candied apple fold over to the palate in this elegant, medium-weight style. Shows hints of crushed rock and minerality. Long and clean on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 4,300 cases made.
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.