Special Reserve Selection (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 layers of dark fruit, leather, and subtle earthy notes, supported by softened tannins that provide a smooth mouthfeel. This wine reflects the 1977 vintage, which, despite harvest challenges, produced Cabernets with good varietal character and aging potential. As a mature wine, it showcases the evolution of Napa Valley's winemaking during that era.

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 saw a surge in Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, with acreage increasing significantly. By 1975, there were 26,788 acres of Cabernet planted, but due to the proliferation of new planting 14,073 acres, or 53% of the total, were not old enough to produce a commercial crop. This included 31% of the acreage in Napa and 51% of the acreage in Sonoma. The 1977 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a warm growing season, leading to the production of well-balanced wines with good varietal character. Stonegate Winery, established in 1973, was among the producers crafting notable Cabernet Sauvignons during this period. Their 1977 Special Reserve Selection showcased the potential of Napa's Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the region's growing reputation for high-quality wines.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1977 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is known for its thick skins, contributing to the wine's deep color and robust tannins.
• 🌞 Napa Valley's unique climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, enhancing their flavor complexity.
• 🕰️ Wines from the 1977 vintage are now considered rare and collectible, offering a unique tasting experience for enthusiasts.
• 🪵 Aged Cabernet Sauvignons like this one often develop complex flavors over time, including notes of blackcurrant, tobacco, and cedar.

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.