Napa Valley Cabs

When it comes to great Cabernet Sauvignon in the New World, Napa Valley is probably the appellation most likely to cross a wine aficionado’s mind first. Ever since the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 when a Cabernet from Stags Leap (a sub-appellation of Napa Valley) bested several top Bordeaux wines, such as Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild, Napa has been recognized as a home to world class Cabernet Sauvignon.

So far my experience with Napa Cabs has been fairly limited mainly due to their pricing, but also because other varietals have interested me more so far. Thanks to the generosity of fellow wine enthusiasts I was given the chance to do a really interesting taste off of some top Napa Cabs. Thanks a lot guys! As promised here are the tasting notes:

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon – Caymus
Caymus has developed a reputation as a top producer in Napa and this wine was a nice example of what they can do. There is a pronounced smokiness from the barrel toasting that turned off some tasters, but this dissipated somewhat with time in the decanter. The nose has smoked meat, light chocolate, and red fruits (strawberry came out with some air time). It was a little lighter on the palate than I was expecting with a smooth light texture and fine tannins. Some intriguing savory notes as well. 93 Wine Spectator and 94 Wine Enthusiast.

$84.95 90 (There was some debate as to whether this wine did not show as well due to bottle variation.)

It should be noted that none of these wines are pure Cabernet Sauvignon since they are blended with other varietals, which is not a bad thing because this helps balance the wines out. By US law producers are allowed to apply a varietal label as long as at least 75% of that varietal is used.

2002 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – Chappellet
This Cab is more fruit forward than the Caymus with raspberry, cassis, vanilla, and light caramel coffee elements. It has very fine tannins as well and is even more creamy and balanced than the Caymus. There is less barrel toast evident in this wine making for a better balance with the fruit. 92 from Wine Spectator.
Around $45 USD 91

2004 One Point Five – Shafer
‘One Point Five’ refers to the not quite second generation partnership between father and son of this family owned and run winery. Bearing the Stags Leap District designation, this Cabernet definitely left an impression long after the tasting. Full on rich fruit and vanilla nose with a silky smooth rounded palate that went on for a good while. Nicely layered with distinct caramel notes, very deep. Drinking quite well despite its youth, but it will benefit from some time in the cellar. 2% Petit Verdot. 90-92 Wine Access.
$81 93

2001 Dominus – Dominus Estates
Produced by Christian Moueix of Château Pétrus and many other notable chateaus in Bordeaux it’s not surprising that this wine reminded everyone more of something from France than Napa. It stuck out brilliantly in this tasting, and if you prefer this style over the soft luscious typical Napa Cab then it would probably be your favourite of the five. Less new oak than the others and it also had more acid, grip, and to me - character. Some warm kirsch, cassis, and lilac notes with a nice balance of wood to fruit. Only fault is the finish is slightly hot (despite it having similar alcohol content, 14.1%, its character didn’t seem to absorb the heat as well). 81% Cab Sauv, 10% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot. 95 Wine Access and 94 from Wine Enthusiast.
$120, approx. $90 USD 94

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon – Etude
Now I have to admit that by this point my senses were a little impaired from the overly generous pours. But I got some notes down before succumbing, they read: “good balance of toasty wood to fruit, touch of pepper, cassis, plum, a little anise which several of us noted (maybe licorice to others), ripe fruit. Even better with airing. Soft like the other Cabs (other than the Dominus), but tannins are well structured. Great length, very good complexity.” I had just enough wits about me to realize this was a really nice wine as did everyone else. I would like to try this wine again when I’m a little sharper. 94 from Wine Spectator, the tasting notes mention spicy currant, cedar, anise (we were right apparently), herb and mineral, polished texture, balanced yet firm tannins. 93 Wine Access and 93 Wine Enthusiast.
$119, $90+ USD 95

The Chappallet and Caymus placed 4th and 5th respectively for everyone. Three of us had the exact same order for our top 3, Etude, Dominus, and then Shafer.

After this tasting I can characterize Napa Cabs (with the exception of the Domnius) as typically soft, ripe, relatively low in acid, and quite plush with fine tannins. Some sweeter vanilla, caramel and chocolate notes are common. Although this style might not be to everybody’s liking I think with a little complexity added into this framework you can get some very hedonistic wine. Personally, I can’t wait to taste more Napa Cabs!