100% Cabernet Sauvignon

96 Points James Suckling / 94 Points Wine Enthusiast

93 Points Wine Spectator / 93 Points Robert Parker

STIR IT UP is a Single Vineyard wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is centred on the high mountain Prichard Hill region overlooking the whole of the Napa Valley with, in the distance, a southerly view of the San Francisco Bay. This vineyard is part of the Stagecoach Estate, planted by Jan Krupp on south-western slopes. It is a warm area that basks in the full afternoon sun and is therefore great for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Atias Peak region of Stagecoach Vineyards is dominated by the typical red volcanic soils, but what makes the area unique is its enormous quantities of flat rock, which provides exceptional drainage to the hillside blocks. This delivers freshness and great acid ity – the backbone of any great wine.  Vinification is very similar to those wines that are made in France.

After running through two sets of sorting tables – firstly by bunch and then, after the de-stemmer, grape by grape, with a long cold soak before fermentation occurs. Wooden vats brought over to California from Cognac, allow a more seamless take-on of wood. The wines undergo their malolactic fermentation in new French oak, and are aged in the same oak for up to two years. This wine is hugely robust in concentration and power, a study in mountain-grown brambly berry and serious tannin. Bark, pencil and a wealth of spiced plum form the core of its character, with secondary elements of cherry and cigar box coming into play over time.

United states – napa valley