Special Reserve Selection (1979)

About this wine

The 1979 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a deep ruby color with slight brick hues at the rim, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it presents aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of eucalyptus, reflecting the classic characteristics of aged Napa Cabernets. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of dark cherry and subtle tobacco notes, supported by well-integrated tannins that provide a smooth texture. A touch of minerality adds depth, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This wine exemplifies the longevity and complexity that Napa Valley Cabernets are renowned for.

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 late 1970s, Napa Valley saw a surge in Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, with many vineyards maturing to produce high-quality fruit. Stonegate Winery, established in 1973, was among the pioneers focusing on this varietal, contributing to Napa's reputation for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1979 vintage was particularly challenging due to a cool growing season and late harvest, yet some producers managed to craft wines that aged surprisingly well.

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, resulting in wines that were slightly tight and austere but have aged surprisingly well.
• 🏰 Stonegate Winery, established in 1973, was among Napa Valley's pioneering wineries, contributing to the region's reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varietal 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 excellent aging potential.
• 🌄 Napa Valley, where this wine originates, is one of the world's premier wine regions, with over 400 wineries and a diverse range of microclimates and soils that contribute to the unique characteristics of its wines.
• 📅 The 1979 Stonegate Special Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is part of a vertical series from 1977 to 1980, showcasing the winery's commitment to producing age-worthy wines during that period.

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.