Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1977)

About this wine

The 1977 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a deep, garnet hue, indicative of its age. On the nose, it presents aromas of dried blackcurrant, tobacco, and a hint of cedar. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of mature dark fruit flavors, complemented by earthy undertones and a touch of spice. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, lingering finish. This wine reflects the character of the 1977 vintage, which, despite harvest challenges, produced Cabernets with good varietal character and aging potential.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its full-bodied wines with high tannins and great aging potential. In the 1970s, Napa Valley's unique climate and soil conditions allowed this grape to thrive, leading to the production of exceptional wines. The 1977 vintage faced challenges due to rain during harvest, but many winemakers, including those at Stonegate, managed to produce well-balanced Cabernets with good varietal character. Stonegate Winery, established in 1973, was among the pioneering producers in Napa Valley, contributing to the region's reputation for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1977 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Napa Valley, a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 🏞️ Stonegate Winery, established in the 1970s, was known for crafting high-quality wines that showcased the unique terroir of Napa Valley.
• 🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varietal used in this wine, is celebrated for its deep color, full body, and high tannin content, contributing to its excellent aging potential.
• ☀️ The 1977 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by favorable weather conditions, leading to wines with balanced acidity and rich fruit flavors.
• 🕰️ A well-preserved bottle of this 1977 Cabernet Sauvignon could offer complex flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, reflecting its maturity and the characteristics of aged Napa Valley wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Stonegate Winery, established in 1973 by Jim Spaulding in Calistoga, California, was among the pioneering wineries that contributed to Napa Valley's rise as a premier wine region. Initially sourcing grapes from various North Coast vineyards, the winery later focused on its own Spaulding Vineyard on Diamond Mountain, known for its volcanic soils and unique microclimates. In 2003, the Duncan family, owners of Silver Oak Cellars, acquired Stonegate's facilities to house their Twomey Cellars brand, integrating the historic site into their operations. The original Stonegate Winery building, designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century wine barn, featured a barrel cellar, tasting room, and production facility with a capacity of up to 80,000 gallons per year.