Staglin, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013

Both 2013 Cabernet Sauvignons are in bottle, and both are absolutely magnificent wines, probably the two finest Cabernets made by the Staglins to date. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford (14.9% alcohol) has a stunning fragrance of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers (or is it violets?), sweet blackcurrant and black raspberry fruit, and a layered, opulent, rich and full-bodied mouthfeel. Add to that striking purity, equilibrium, and serious but finely grained tannins, and this is their finest Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon made to date. It has at least 30-40 years of life ahead of it.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is deep, rich and voluptuous, with striking depth and nuance. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, leather and cloves are some of the signatures that flesh out in the glass. Broad and ample, the Cabernet Sauvignon offers notable personality and plenty of its signature classiness. Mocha, chocolate, spice and new leather shape the inviting finish.