D.R. Stephens Estate DRII Cabernet Sauvignon (torn label) 2014
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The long and moderate growing season provided the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley with tremendous depth and character first experienced on the nose with ripe blackberry, dark plum, violet candy, fresh turned soil, coffee bean and a whisper of pencil shavings. The palate is dense yet remarkably elegant, fanning out flavors of boysenberry, black cherry cordial, anise, black currant, milk chocolate and chiseled slate.
In 1996 Don and Trish found Oz II, their 35-acre property on Howell Mountain Road in the Saint Helena area of the Napa Valley, and an opportunity became available to attain their dream. Trish designed and built their French-European home on a four-acre plateau above the vineyards and indigenous olive trees. She is currently planning the addition of a wine cave with a dining hall and wine library, which will hold the Estate's legacy wines and provide a venue for large scale entertaining.
Don and Trish planted the nine-acre Moose Valley Vineyard in 1996 and had their first release of their 1999 D.R. Stephens Estate Moose Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in 2002. The wine was extremely well received in the food and restaurant world and was immediately added to the wine lists of some of the best restaurants in many of the major cities.
Winemaker Michael Hirby feeds his winemaking and vineyard skills through his insatiable appetite for information. His intimate knowledge of grape flavor development in the vineyard and individualistic winemaking practices are deeply entrenched within a naturalist philosophy. Michael joined D. R. Stephens Estate as the winemaker in May 2010.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.