Description

Winemaker Notes

The silky and detailed 2018 Staglin Cabernet is a poised and elegant classic that impresses with its old-world charms and modern-day precision. Initial notes of herb-laden cassis and cedary plums evolve into layers of lavender-infused raspberry liqueur and menthol-lifted cherry compote spiced by green peppercorns, ground coffee and a dusting Piment d’Espelette. The beautiful weight, delicate concentration and powder fine-grained structure delivers a wonderfully graceful and balanced palate experience that is a sheer classy delight.

Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

Professional Ratings

98 Jeb Dunnuck

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. Rating:98+

98 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Founded in 1985 by Shari, Garen, Brandon, and Shannon, the Staglin Family Vineyard has risen to the top of the class among Rutherford AVA producers. The 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is riveting and accomplished. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas of fragrant berries, hints of chalk, and well-balanced oak nuances. Pair it with a well-seasoned crown roast of lamb. (Tasted: September 10, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
95 Decanter
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.
94 Wine Spectator
Rich and seductive, with velvety dark plum, mulberry and boysenberry fruit flavors gliding through, infused with anise, roasted apple wood and black tea notes. The fruit echoes persistently through the finish, where a violet notes adds additional charm. A very suave wine that nearly flaunts its texture. Drink now through 2035.