Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley, California, USA

Tasting Notes

Deep crimson at the core with a luminous ruby rim, the 2023 Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon opens with medium-plus aromatic intensity, revealing layers of raspberry, kirsch, red currant, and boysenberry interwoven with hibiscus flower, orange blossom, mint, anise, and subtle earthy notes of cigar box, pencil shavings, and soil, framed by hints of toasted oak and warm spice. The palate is medium-bodied and approachable yet structured, driven by juicy, mouthwatering acidity and ripe, rounded tannins. Flavors of framboise, cherry cordial, orange peel, toffee, clove, cinnamon, and a touch of vermouth unfold seamlessly, leading to a complex, savory-tinged finish of medium length (approximately 12 seconds) that promises further harmony and softening with age.

In 2023, Napa Valley experienced one of the longest growing seasons in a decade or more. With consistent, mild weather throughout the season, above-average crop yields, and extended hang time, 2023 is an exceptional, high-quality, memorable vintage.

Winter and spring rains led to full reservoirs and healthy, saturated soils; ideal conditions as grape growers headed into bud break. The mild, warm summer weather (72-75 degrees F) supported healthy canopy growth through bloom and set. Though vineyards faced mildew pressure, clusters remained loose for good air flow. Relatively cool weather throughout the growing season in tandem with an abundance of sunshine allowed grape skins to ripen slowly and develop maximal dark red color components for red wines.

Full ripeness of grape skins and seeds provided the building blocks for a tannic backbone which is the source of resilience for a long-lived wine. Winemakers describe the wines as having freshness, purity and elegance overall.

The grapes were exclusively hand-harvested, then transported to the winery for hand-sorting and destemming. Individual lots were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, allowing for the natural extraction of color, flavor, texture, and aroma from the skins. After approximately 14 days, the tanks were drained and the skins removed, with the remaining juice gently pressed. The wine was then transferred to small French oak barrels (25–30% new French oak), spending a total of 20 months in oak before bottling.

Grape Varieties: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Sirah
TA: 6.1 g/l
pH: 3.56 pH
ABV: 13.53%

Tasting Notes

This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with structure and depth. Brilliant ruby red in the glass, with hints of purple at the core. Concentrated, enticing aromas of plum and blackberry.On the palate, the wine is firm and layered, a reflection of the final blend. Deep red fruit flavors of cassis, huckleberry and plum are accented by coffee beans. French oak aging lends to the underlayers of toasty oak and balanced, textured mouthfeel. The vintage shines through as a wine that drinks beautifully upon release or may be cellared for 5-10 years.

2021 is a standout vintage, one that will be remembered as a vintage bringing both relief and superb quality. It was with great relief that we welcomed the 2021 vintage after the devastation of the 2020 wildfires. 2021 was an unseasonably dry year, with very little rainfall, a result of the California drought. The lack of rain resulted in lower yields with small-sized, intensely flavored berries. A long, warm, and uneventful summer ended with a heat wave, speeding up the ripening process and leading to an early harvest at the end of August. The year-long consistent weather aided in fruit development, leading to wines of great character.

The grapes were exclusively hand-harvested before moving to the winery for hand-sorting, and destemming.During fermentation, the colors, flavors, textures, and aromas are naturally extracted from the skins. At approximately 14 days, the tanks were drained, and skins removed before the fruit gently pressed to capture the remaining juice. The wine was then transferred into small French oak barrels (25-30% new French oak) and aged for 15 months.

BLENDING NOTES
Thoughtfully sculpted, the 2021 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is enhanced by two complementary varietals. Petite Sirah adds exotic spices and violet floral notes while Petit Verdot ties the final wine together with additional structure andaromas of primrose and subtle sandalwood.

Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of terroir –the unique combination of climate, soil and geography and its impression on the fruit. Showcasing a delicate balance of structure from hillside grapes and suppleness from valley floor vineyards.

Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Petit Verdot, 7.5% Petite Sirah
Total acidity: 5.01 g/l
pH: 3.72 pH
ABV: 13.8%

Tasting Notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant ruby in color with hints of purple at the core. It is an approachable, any occasion wine, with concentrated notes of plum, blackberry, and anise. On the palate it is fruity and firm with classic flavors of cassis, huckleberry, plum, coffee bean and toasty oak. A wine that drinks beautifully upon release or could be cellared 5-10 years.

The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins. Volume is average to a little less than average. All in all, exceptional fruit with bright acidity and ample texture promises an amazing vintage.

The grapes are exclusively hand-harvested. During fermentation the colors, flavors, textures and aromas are naturally extracted from the skins. At approximately 14 days, the fermentation is completed, and we drain the tanks, remove the skins and then gently press to capture the remaining juice. It is then transferred into small French oak barrels (66% new French oak) and aged for 18 months. Blending Notes
Thoughtfully sculpted, the 2019 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of three complementary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon provides the depth and structure; Petite Sirah imparts exotic spices and violet floral attributes, and Petit Verdot ties the blend together with additional structure and vibrant aromas of primrose and subtle sandalwood

along the northeastern hillsides of Napa Valley, high above St. Helena. Farmed sustainably, certified Napa Valley Green and Fish Friendly, these vineyards exemplify a generational commitment to responsible farming.

Grape Varieties: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Petite Sirah
Total acidity: 5.8 g/l
pH: 3.75 pH
ABV: 14.8%
Production: 6,394 Cases

Tasting Notes

Just seeing the inky-purple hue of the wine as it is pouring into the glass awakens and excites the senses. The bouquet opens with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate-covered espresso bean, and violets with just a touch of cinnamon, mint, and sage lying underneath. These flavors are found on the palate as well, which is rich and full-bodied with a velvety tannin and fresh acidity that lead to the long, lingering finish. Distinct flavors of dark cocoa can be found resonating on the back palate. A wine that drinks beautifully upon release could be cellared 5 to 10 years.

February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences and evenings—for which Napa Valley is known—virtually uninterrupted by any major heat spikes. This created a uniformity across vineyards allowing vintners to mark a slow, steady course in canopy management and other viticulture practices leading up to harvest. The relatively milder summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to let their fruit accumulate flavor complexity along with a gradual increase in sugar levels. This day-by-day development of soft tannins & bright acids means that we have been able to slowly bring in the grapes at just the right moment, resulting in elegant, opulent, and perfectly ripe fruit.

The grapes are exclusively hand-harvested. During fermentation the colors, flavors, textures and aromas are naturally extracted from the skins. At approximately 14 days, the fermentation is completed, and we drain the tanks, remove the skins and then gently press to capture the remaining juice. It is then transferred into small French oak barrels (66% new French oak) and aged for 18 months. Blending Notes Thoughtfully sculpted, the 2018 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of three complementary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon provides the depth and structure; Petite Sirah imparts exotic spices and violet floral attributes, and Petit Verdot ties the blend together with additional structure and a vibrant aroma of primrose and subtle sandalwood.

The genesis of Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is in the Michael Mondavi Family Vineyards, nestled along the northeastern hillsides of Napa Valley high above St. Helena. Farmed sustainably and organically, certified Napa Valley Green and Fish Friendly, the vineyards exemplify a generational commitment to responsible farming.

Grape Varieties:  90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Petite Sirah Total acidity: 5.9 g/l pH: 3.78 pH ABV: 14.5% SRP: $40.00 Production: 6, 151 Cases

Tasting Notes

Reminiscent of classic Napa Valley elegance, the Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon also embraces a modern ripe style by weaving in a small percentage of Petite Sirah to lift the aromatics and add plushness to the palate. Black currant, broken cacao and a wisp of eastern spices from the French oak provide structure and a graceful finish. Hints of floral from both the Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot are exotically layered over the plum and bramble based fruit notes.

The winter of 2017 provided ample rainfall to invigorate the vines, providing them with the nutrients and water stores to carry a balanced crop through harvest. A tepid spring led to bud break a few days behind previous vintages, yet a consistently warm Spring and Summer afforded wonderful ripening and sunlight across the grape clusters. The early Fall was dry, warm and breezy pushing the grapes to maturity, leading to a lovely harvest with small berries that added to the intensity of the vintage.

The grapes are exclusively hand-harvested. During fermentation the colors, flavors, textures and aromas are naturally extracted from the skins.At approximately 14 days, the primary fermentation is completed. The tanks are then drained, then the skins are removed and gently pressed to capture the remaining complex juice.Finally the young wine is transferred into small French oak barrels (66% new French oak) and aged for 18 months. Blending Notes: Thoughtfully sculpted, the 2017 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of three complementary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon provides the depth and structure; Petite Sirah imparts exotic spices and violet floral attributes, and Petit Verdot ties the blend together with additional structure and a vibrant aroma of primrose and subtle sandalwood.

The genesis of Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is in the Michael Mondavi Family Vineyards, nestled along the northeastern hillsides of Napa Valley high above St. Helena. Farmed sustainably and organically, certified Napa Valley Green and Fish Friendly, the vineyards exemplify a generational commitment to responsible farming.

Grape Varieties:  90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Petite Sirah Total acidity: 5.9 g/l pH: 3.78 pH ABV: 14.5% SRP: $40.00 Production: 6, 151 Cases

  • 20240914

    91

    points

    James Suckling, September 2024

    "Fresh aromas of blackcurrants, licorice and spices. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and acidity, showing notes of blackberries, cedar and potpourri. A fruit-driven wine that will evolve nicely in the bottle. Drink or hold."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2023-02-06

    90

    points

    James Suckling, February 2023

    "A balanced and fresh Cabernet with pine needles, fresh plums, blackberries, currants and herbs on the nose. It’s full-bodied, with firm and fine tannins. Fresh and mineral at the end. Drink now or hold."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2023 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage Notes

2021 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 91 points, James Suckling – Sell Sheet

2021 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker

2021 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage Notes

2019 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 90 points, James Suckling – Sell Sheet

2019 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage Notes

Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle – 2019 & After

2018 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage Notes

2017 Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage Notes