Chimney Rock 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

Stags Leap District is one of the first sub-appellations to be recognized in Napa Valley. This unique area on the eastern edge of the valley had been turning out consistently fine Cabernet for decades. Chimney Rock's winemaker, Doug Fletcher, maximizes the potential of this exceptional appellation with a rigorous approach to vineyard management including the "Fletcher Lyre" trellising system, pioneered at Chimney Rock. The system allows grapes to ripen longer which results in small, intensely flavored berries with deeper skin pigments and richer, riper flavors. This wine from the outstanding 2018 vintage is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Grapes received extended maceration of up to 40 days and the wine aged 18 months in 50% new French oak.

James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "Lots of purple fruit with raspberries and blackberries follow through to a medium to full body with chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs time to soften. Try after 2023."

The Wine Advocate scored this 91 points saying "A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and notes of baked black cherries, stewed plums and black currant jelly plus touches of garrigue, black olives and Provence herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers lovely poise and expression with plenty of crunchy black fruit and a grainy texture, finishing with a lively lift."


Decanter scored this 90 points saying "A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Floral, dusty and herbal on the nose. The palate is energetic and lively with notes of pomegranates, red currants and eucalyptus. Crisp, and linear on the finish. Authentically rooted in a past era of Napa, and accurately represents the grace and subtlety that Stags Leap District is capable of."