2018
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
PTS James Suckling
Admiring this wine’s deep purple hue in the glass reminds us why it has become such a mainstay in our portfolio.
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2018
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
The enticing aromas of our 2018 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon reveal red cherry, berry and plum.
Highlighted with notes of licorice, cola, mocha and freshly-cut rose. The plush flavors, echoing the aromas, are enveloped in a round mouthfeel and framed by silky tannins. Beautifully balanced acidity gives the wine vibrancy on the palate and carries the flavors through a bright finish that invites you back for another sip.
Vintage
2018
Alcohol
15.2%
Region
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage Notes
The 2018 growing season started with significantly higher than average frost hours (a measurement of hours below 36 F), which led to a late bud break. The growing season also stood out in terms of GDD (growing degree days), with 14% fewer on average than 2017. The mild conditions and lack of extreme heat spikes combined to create a high quality fruit year.
Winemaker’s Notes
Our steep, densely planted Stags Leap District estate has been the heart of the winery since Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded here in a farmhouse in 1978. This wine is a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District AVA.
The grapes were hand-harvested at night—when temperatures often dip to 50˚F—to capture vibrant acidity and fruit expression in the wine. We first cold-soaked the must (crushed grapes) for gentle extraction and then fermented the must in both stainless steel and Italian-made concrete fermenters at 92˚F. Rigorous pump-overs, increasing during the peak of the fermentation, developed deep color, rich varietal character and fine tannins in the wine. To achieve a fresh style with lighter, supple tannins, our cellar team pressed this wine slightly earlier than for our other Cabernet Sauvignons. The wine was aged in new French oak barrels to meld the bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances. After three months of aging, we blended the vineyard components then allow them.
