ABOUT THIS WINE:
The 2014 Affinity is a 100% estate grown, single vineyard selection from our La Londe Vineyard. Our primary mission at Robert Craig Winery is to produce wines that feature pure site expression. While the soul of Affinity has always come from La Londe Vineyard, now, each vintage, we seek to capture the essential, focused identity of this extraordinary site.
VINEYARD:
Just south of Stag’s Leap, nestled in the Mt. George Foothills on the eastern side of the Napa Valley, our La Londe estate vineyard has produced exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon for our portfolio since Bob Craig purchased the property back in 1993. As a hillside, cane-pruned site that bears just 2.8 tons per acre, the 30-year-old vines allow a rare display of the volcanic, stony soils in the finished wines. Grapes are small, deeply black flavored, and undeniably racy with a big backbone of acidity. Despite an inherent suppleness, the 2014 Affinity Cabernet will cellar easily for decades to come.
VINTAGE:
The 2014 growing season was even, moderate and extended. The dry conditions from 2012 and 2013 continued with even less rain present in the harvest window. Slow development of sugars, coupled with a naturally low PH (high acid) vineyard site meant that the resulting wine would have tremendous structure. 2014 will prove to be one of the most balanced vintages in decades.
Revealing the pure pedigree of La Londe Vineyard, the 2014 has great depth, richness and balance. Opulent flavors of black raspberry and blackcurrant are wrapped in rich aromas of licorice, incense and spice box.
Blend:
82% Cabernet Sauvignon
8% Petite Verdot
5% Merlot
3% Malbec
2% Cabernet Franc
Barrel Aging: 18 months in Chateau-style French oak; 60% new & 40% 2nd year. Unfiltered and unfined.
This winery has been consistently excellent throughout my tastings in Napa, going back many, many years. They have also kept a lid on pricing, which remains realistic and consumer friendly. …. Delicious black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, some spice box, licorice and incense are all present in this supple-textured, medium to full-bodied, opulent wine, which is sexy, lush and ideal for drinking over the next decade or more. The color is healthy dense and purple, and the wine full-bodied and textured, with a beautiful finish and real harmony. Drink it over the next decade. - Robert Parker 92 Points
