Black Stallion 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

A previous Wine Enthusiast Magazine pick as one of the 30 best Napa Cabs Under $30. Located right on the Silverado Trail, the Black Stallion Estate winery is named in honor of the former Silverado Horsemen's Center that was once located there. The winery is owned by a family with a history spanning three generations and more than 85 years. The family is very involved with all aspects, producing fine Napa Valley Cab from vineyards throughout the valley.

2015 was another outstanding vintage across Napa Valley and superb vineyards are the foundation of this Cabernet’s consistency and complexity. Comprising a diverse range of terroirs, grapes from top  Napa  Valley sub-appellations each lend a range of unique  influences, yielding distinctive flavors. The final blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 3% Merlot and 6% Other varieties aged 16 months in 35% new oak barrels (80% French and 20% American).

The Wine Advocate scored this 88-90 on a barrel sample saying "A barrel sample, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of crushed black cherries, wild blueberries and red and black plums with hints of sautéed herbs and earth. The medium to full-bodied mouth shows baked berries flavors with chewy tannins that are a little hard, finishing long with an herbal lift."

James Suckling scored this 91 point saying "Red plums, dark cherries, fresh herbs and licorice. Medium-bodied with round tannins, fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine made this an "Editors' Choice" and scored it 92 saying "With a woody nose of toasted oak and dried herb, this impressive wine is structured and bright, with fresh cassis and red cherry. Balanced and well integrated, it shows depth of flavor and complexity."