Laube has only rated one pinot at 98, but since 1997 he has rated five cabs at 98. He has never given a pinot of any vintage a rating above 98. James Laube rated two 2002 California cabs at 99. Laube no longer can be objective when tasting California Cabs or has has embraced a Pinot palate, then perhaps it is time for someone else to cover the Cabernets from the area.<<< >Laube has become disenchanted with Napa Cabs & now loves CA Pinot>If Mr. Laube no longer can be objective when tasting California Cabs or has has embraced a Pinot palate, then perhaps it is time for someone else to cover the Cabernets from the area. If one is to be a California Wine Critic then one must be able to embrace all the varietals.
I tend to think that, in general, the "old Napa" style cabs exhibit larger variation from good to bad vintages than do the "modern style" cabs.Īnyways, if you've tried it, like it and think it worth the price tag, then it shouldn't bother you in the least that others think differently, but it also shouldn't make you think that those with a different view must be out in left field or something. (3) The 70 score was for the 2003 vintage, which is widely considered a subpar vintage for Napa cab.
Some have the opposite preference - I would think it likely that a panel of French tasters would rate Stags Leap cabs higher than Laube and cult cab type wines lower than Laube. He has been tending to rate those wines lower (Montelena is another good example), while giving higher ratings to the more concentrated "new Napa" style cabs. (2) I think there is a fairly consistent pattern emerging in James' reviews regarding Napa wineries making cabernets in the "old Napa" style of the 70s and 80s: thinner, earthier, more green flavors, more delicate, whatever you want to call it. It's also possible someone may be influenced to some degree by the name and history of Stags Leap Wine Cellars and price of the wine, if that person were not tasting it blind. It's entirely possible that you just like and dislike different things in wine, and this is one you just disagree with him on. (1) James tastes wines blind and rates them as he sees them. 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.There was unanimous concurrence among many members of this board about that wine, as well, in the thread above. 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. 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.Ĭabernet 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. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. 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.
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