2016 Winemaker Series Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 2

ABOUT WINEMAKERS SERIES

Crafted especially for our wine club members, the Winemaker Series allows us to select interesting lots and create unique blends. This is like taking a walk through the vineyard, experiencing the unique characteristics that define Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' world-class vineyards. These wines offer a great juxtaposition to our classic Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offerings. 

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

The 2016 Winemaker Series, Lot #2 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from the Red Hen Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. With its location in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains and its well-drained soils, the grapes create an elegant style of Cabernet with fine-grained tannins and great length. The wine was aged 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new and 50% older).

VINTAGE

Although bud-break in Napa Valley was early in 2016, the season was much cooler than normal. We didn’t get the usual high heat in July and August, which provided for a longer hang time for the grapes. Overall, quality was high. The harvest was smooth and progressed from varietal to varietal with the Sauvignon Blanc coming in first, then the Chardonnay, and time in between to transition to the reds. In late September, we started bringing in Cabernet Sauvignon from across the valley and it was interesting that the grapes – all the way from the cooler Coombsville area up to the warmer parts of St. Helena – ripened at the same time. We completed the Cabernet harvest in October.

TASTING NOTES

Bright and fruity, this Cabernet Sauvignon is red fruit driven (cherry, currant, strawberry) with cola and spice notes. The palate is soft and elegant with fine tannins and a lush texture that leads to persistent red fruit flavors on the finish.

Food Pairings

Enjoy with herb-crusted pork roast, grilled flank steak or grilled Portobello mushrooms tossed in olive oil with fresh rosemary.