A creamy, fruity white, yet it remains tight and formed with bright acidity from the lack of malolactic fermentation. Full-to medium-bodied, vivid and fresh. Stones and dried fruit at the finish. Drinkable now, but another year or two will make it even more complex.
BOW (8.50)
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
I was able to taste two wines from Staglin Family, both showing brilliantly. An utterly ultra-classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Staglin sports a deep ruby/plum color to go with a gorgeous bouquet of ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruits as well as spicy oak, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and lead pencil shavings. Full-bodied, perfectly balanced, rich, and opulent, yet also pure and precise, this might be the finest vintage of this cuvée ever produced. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and has 40-50 years of longevity ahead of it.
Winespectator (95)
Opaque, deep ruby, hint of mahogany on the rim. Expressive, classic Cabernet nose of graphite, fresh green leaf, mulberry and fresh currants. Cedar oak underpins the fruit aromatics. The first impression is one of an intensely serious wine. On the palate, that impression continues until the dark, sweet, ripe berry fruit begins to emerge and broaden and intensify in flavour. At that point, the wine relaxes a little and shows its Napa Valley heritage; all fresh, healthy, ripe dark berries from a truly excellent vintage. The tannin texture is grainy and firm but well integrated, leaving no grippy edges, just a rounded mouthfeel. The finish, long and flavourful, mimics the opening in its freshness, with a hint of mint and wild sage. This wine is drinking now but is young and will benefit cellaring for another three to four years before enjoying a long and happy life likely shaking off its serious mantle and maintaining its overtly fruity profile over the next 12 to 15 years.
Vinous (97)
Staglin's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate favors energy and tension over volume, at least at this
point in its life. Bright, aromatic and sumptuous, the 2018 is fabulous right out of the gate. Inky
red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, cedar and menthol race across the palate. The 2018 is
bright and focused from start to finish, with impeccable balance, well-judged oak and tons of
sheer appeal. It is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. Winemaker Fredrik
Johansson captured the magic of the 2018 vintage and put it all into the bottle. I can't wait to see how this ages.
Jancis Robinson (16.50)
Rich with a more evolved colour than the Trefethen 2018 Cab tasted alongside. Very rich but satisfying if you're looking for a typical Napa Cab, with just a little obvious alcohol on the end. Luscious but not ridiculously sweet. Fresh finish.
Decanter (95)
Opaque, deep ruby, hint of mahogany on the rim. Expressive, classic Cabernet nose of graphite, fresh green leaf, mulberry and fresh currants. Cedar oak underpins the fruit aromatics. The first impression is one of an intensely serious wine. On the palate, that impression continues until the dark, sweet, ripe berry fruit begins to emerge and broaden and intensify in flavour. At that point, the wine relaxes a little and shows its Napa Valley heritage; all fresh, healthy, ripe dark berries from a truly excellent vintage. The tannin texture is grainy and firm but well integrated, leaving no grippy edges, just a rounded mouthfeel. The finish, long and flavourful, mimics the opening in its freshness, with a hint of mint and wild sage. This wine is drinking now but is young and will benefit cellaring for another three to four years before enjoying a long and happy life likely shaking off its serious mantle and maintaining its overtly fruity profile over the next 12 to 15 years.
