Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1979)

About this wine

This 1979 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a deep ruby color, indicative of its age. On the nose, it presents aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of tobacco. The palate reveals flavors of dark cherry, leather, and subtle earthy notes, supported by well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and smooth, showcasing the wine's remarkable aging potential. This vintage reflects the resilience and character of Napa Valley Cabernets from the late 1970s.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in 17th-century France and has become one of the world's most recognized red wine grape varieties. Its thick skins and hardy vines make it well-suited to various climates, including California's Napa Valley, where it thrives in the region's diverse soils and microclimates. In the late 1970s, Napa Valley's wine industry was gaining international recognition, particularly for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The 1979 vintage was marked by a cool growing season with heat spikes in July and rain during harvest, resulting in wines that were slightly tight and austere but long-lived. Stonegate Winery, established during this era, contributed to Napa's reputation by producing robust and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons, such as their 1979 Special Reserve Selection. This wine reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, showcasing the unique terroir of Napa Valley during a pivotal time in its winemaking history.

Quick facts

• 🌦️ The 1979 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a cool growing season, with heat spikes in July and rain showers during harvest, leading to varied quality among Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 🏰 Stonegate Winery, established in 1973, was among Napa Valley's pioneering wineries, contributing to the region's reputation for producing robust and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, known for its thick skins and high tannins, which contribute to its aging potential.
• 🌄 Napa Valley's diverse microclimates and soils allow for the production of Cabernet Sauvignons with a wide range of flavor profiles, from fruit-forward to more structured and tannic wines.
• 🍷 The 1979 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare find today, reflecting the craftsmanship of early Napa Valley winemaking and the region's evolution over the decades.

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.