Rombauer’s Stice Lane Vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon in St. Helena

Rombauer Vineyards is yet another Napa Valley producer best known for Chardonnay who also makes impressive Cabernet Sauvignon. Actually, Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon has a longer history than the Chardonnay. In fact, Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon was the first fruit Rombauer ever harvested (1980).

Once Rombauer’s winery was completed, they made it available for custom crush to other labels. Many of those are also reknowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, including Dominus, Corison and Spottswoode. Today, Rombauer owns two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, one in St. Helena and another in Atlas Peak.

2013 Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 89+ 14.5% 750ml $55

Rich black currant, black cherry, spice & cocoa on the nose. Medium+ body with very fine, grippy texture. Flavors of black currant and dark chocolate predominate, yet the finish is not just satisfying but savory.

100% Napa Valley fruit: 87.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot. 17 months in French oak barrels, 70% new.

2012 Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon “Diamond Selection” Napa Valley 92+ 14.8% 750ml $80

Opaque ruby in the glass, full-bodied and plush in the mouth with loads of very fine and soft, chalky tannins. Rich blackberry, black currant, spice & carob delight nose and palate. Decant thoroughly.

96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot from vineyards in the Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, St. Helena and Calistoga AVAs. 18 months in French oak barrels, 100% new.

2012 Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stice Lane Vineyard St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley 92+ 14.8% 750ml $90

From a southern St. Helena AVA vineyard owned by Rombauer since 2005. Full-bodied with delightful texture, yet fresh. Fine, soft chalk on the palate with cocoa, vanilla, dark cherries and mineral. Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stice Lane Vineyard “D Block,” planted in 1995. 18 months in French oak barrels.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards. All rights reserved.