2016 Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley 750 ml

Staglin not only makes some of the most impeccable and iconic Cabernets in Napa—but the winery also sits on one of the Valley’s truly singular sites. 

Purchased by the Staglins in 1985, this precious piece of the Rutherford Bench was originally planted by Napa godfather André Tchelistcheff for BV’s legendary Georges de Latour Cabernet, which it supplied for decades. The family received counsel from Tchelistcheff as they settled in, and four decades later, their Napa Valley estate—set on its course by a true luminary, stewarded by legendary viticulturist David Abreu, and tested by time—stands with Oakville’s To Kalon as one of the greatest terroirs in the Valley. 

Two years ago, we presented our first offer from Staglin, and today we’re especially honored to bring you the 2016 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Rutherford. It’s our first-ever allocation from this special terroir, and surely one of the finest Cabernets that Staglin has ever produced. 

Boasting dual 97-point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, this bottle bursts with the rare magic that happens when precious terroir and impeccable winemaking meet an all-time great vintage. It’s captivating from the first aromas of black currant, warm blackberry, and smashed plum, which are accented by fresh resinous herbs, raw chocolate, and graphite. Full, rich, and showing a classic Rutherford mid-palate, the wine has beautiful fruit, tones of organic dark earth, and a kiss of cedar, all carried by detailed and graceful tannins. 

“Beautiful wine,” is how Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate described this Cabernet in their glowing review. Jeb Dunnuck praised it as “pure class,” and “beautifully balanced, full-bodied, and seamless on the palate.” We were floored by how gorgeous it is right now (after an hour in the decanter), but there’s no doubt that it’s got a very long life ahead of it. 

Staglin is a must for any California collector, and there is no better bottle to add to your cellar than this one. Their current release is their 2017, but thanks to our Master Sommelier Sur Lucero’s longtime friendship with fellow Napa native Shannon Staglin, we’ve got this beautiful 2016 Cabernet straight from the Staglin family estate, where it’s been resting since that spectacular season. A Napa Cabernet icon boasting perfect provenance, we can’t wait to watch it evolve over the next 15-20 years—and we hope you have the same opportunity.

When the Staglins bought their land, they bought a piece of Napa Valley history that goes back to 1864. The property distinguished itself as a winegrowing site in 1962, when it was purchased by a family with marriage ties to the de Latour family of Beaulieu Vineyard. André Tchelistcheff, then the winemaker at BV, ordered the site to be planted with Bordeaux grapes, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon.

For the next two decades, grapes from this site went into BV’s famed Georges de Latour Private Reserve, blessing one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after bottlings with the unique quality known as “Rutherford dust.” When the Staglins purchased the site, Tchelistcheff (who’s credited with coining the above term) shared his unique knowledge of the land with the new owners.

The farming role has now been passed on to another legend, viticulturist David Abreu, and the results are as spectacular as ever. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic wine to your cellar.