Alana scored this wine: 92/100
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec with 18 months barrel ageing in 60% new French oak shows both an ocean (saltwater) and soil (volcanic) influence in its aromas and flavours. Intense, concentrated, structured there’s clear ageing potential here (if one is patient enough to do so!). Red and black fruit, herbal notes (sage, and more sage), vanilla, roasted coffee beans combine with mouthwatering acidity, grippy tannins, gravely notes and a long, lingering finish.
Duck confit, roasted pheasant, traditional British Sunday Roast would all pair beautifully with it, as would a cool winter evening and a roaring fire in the fireplace. A luxurious wine.
In Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is often called the King of Grapes, accounting for more than 50% of the region’s planted acreage grown in all 16 sub regions. To many, Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are almost synonymous.
Tasted as part of the 'California Wine Month: Napa Valley’s King of Grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon’, a panel discussion and tasting to explore the quality, personality, versatility and diversity of the region’s signature grape, bringing together some of its most celebrated winemakers to discuss their insights and experience with the variety; moderated by Master Sommelier and speaker Andrea Robinson and California Wines Canada and featuring panelists Marcus Notaro, Winemaker Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars; Michael Scholz, Winemaker, St. Supery and Priyanka French, Winemaker, Signorello Estates.
Cheers!