Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Distinguished Vineyards Rancho Chimiles Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
From an area northeast of the city of Napa and off the valley floor. Currant and some tobacco on the palate. Fits nicely in the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars family. January 2024.
From an area northeast of the city of Napa and off the valley floor. Currant and some tobacco on the palate. Fits nicely in the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars family. January 2024.
Jan 25th, 2024
This has to have a touch of Cab Franc, there are some defined pepper and mocha tones on the nose. Vanilla, ripe fig and classic cassis coming through. Oak and cedar but not overly so. Super rich dark fruit. Blueberry, ripe raspberry, it needs time with air as this can almost be medicinal with heat lingering long time. Not a ton of acid but can easily mature to soften up. 14.5%
This has to have a touch of Cab Franc, there are some defined pepper and mocha tones on the nose. Vanilla, ripe fig and classic cassis coming through. Oak and cedar but not overly so. Super rich dark fruit. Blueberry, ripe raspberry, it needs time with air as this can almost be medicinal with heat lingering long time. Not a ton of acid but can easily mature to soften up. 14.5%
Oct 1st, 2022In 2018, for the very first time, we chose Rancho
Chimiles Vineyard in Wooden Valley as one of those vineyards because of their rich history and commitment to quality. Tucked into the hills of Wooden Valley northeast of the town of Napa, the Rancho Chimiles vineyard is influenced by nearby San PabloBay, which funnels cool air and fog into the area in the evening and early morning hours. At an elevation of 615 feet, the vineyard also receives plenty of sunshine. Terrence Wilson, owner of Ranch Chimiles and one of our longtime friends, is a meticulous grower whose philosophy of farming matches our own. The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool - a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.
In 2018, Rancho Chimiles Vineyard produced an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of olive, black currant, tea, and red licorice. Bright and flavorful on the palate with mouthwatering, coating tannins that mingle with flavors of cedar and tobacco on the finish. Enjoy this Cabernet, with its Bordeaux-like style, with pappardelle with sausage ragu or braised short ribs.
In 2018, for the very first time, we chose Rancho
Chimiles Vineyard in Wooden Valley as one of those vineyards because of their rich history and commitment to quality. Tucked into the hills of Wooden Valley northeast of the town of Napa, the Rancho Chimiles vineyard is influenced by nearby San PabloBay, which funnels cool air and fog into the area in the evening and early morning hours. At an elevation of 615 feet, the vineyard also receives plenty of sunshine. Terrence Wilson, owner of Ranch Chimiles and one of our longtime friends, is a meticulous grower whose philosophy of farming matches our own. The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool - a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.
In 2018, Rancho Chimiles Vineyard produced an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of olive, black currant, tea, and red licorice. Bright and flavorful on the palate with mouthwatering, coating tannins that mingle with flavors of cedar and tobacco on the finish. Enjoy this Cabernet, with its Bordeaux-like style, with pappardelle with sausage ragu or braised short ribs.
