Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 750 ml.

Still showing brilliantly (and I don’t expect that to change), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has the ripe, expansive, sexy style of the vintage front and center. Loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed violets, and spice all soar from this beauty, which is powerful and rich, yet perfectly balanced. At the same quality level as the 2013, it’s nevertheless in a much more approachable, flamboyant style. Drink it any time over the coming two decades or more. It’s a gorgeous, gorgeous wine. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Staglin’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, racy and voluptuous, which is to say very much in line with the style of the year. Kirsch, succulent red cherry, mint and spice add layers of nuance, but in this vintage it is the wine’s raciness and sweet, silky tannins that give the wine its forward, open-knit personality. Ripeness is pushed to the edge in the 2015, and yet all the elements flow together effortlessly. Even with all of its obvious ripeness an raciness, this is decidedly a mid-weight style of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a decadent nose of warm blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and ripe black plums plus suggestions of chocolate box, baking spices, fertile loam and dried Mediterranean herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with expressive black fruits and savory nuances. With a solid structure of chewy tannins and balanced freshness, it finishes long and earthy. This was tasted as a barrel sample.

Pure, rich, deep and balanced, well-centered on plush blackberry, wild berry, currant, black licorice, light oak and dusty earth flavors. Lets the fruit shine through, with oak in the background. Best from 2020 through 2024. 1,550 cases made.

This shows plenty of dark plums and spiced dark chocolate. Hints of orange skin and cloves, too. So deep and intense on the palate. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a powerful and bright finish. Drink or hold.