2016 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - 92pts Vinous, 93pts JS

  • Sale
  • Regular price $75.00


77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Verdot, 7% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec

ABOUT THIS WINE - The 2016 Affinity is a 100% estate grown, single vineyard selection from La Londe Vineyard. Our primary mission at Robert Craig Winery is to produce wines that feature pure site expression. The soul of Affinity has always come from La Londe Vineyard. And now, each vintage we seek to capture the essential, focused identity of this extraordinary site.

VINEYARD - Just south of Stag’s Leap, nestled in Coomsville’s 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.

VINTAGE - 2016 in Napa Valley was considered an “exceptional vintage,” with ideal growing conditions, moderate yields and superb wine quality. The early, moderate weather and lack of significant heat events made for one of the best quality vintages of recent memory. Compared to the previous four vintages, 2016 saw wetter spring soil conditions, requiring careful canopy maintenance. Yields were moderate to below average going into harvest. Tannin quantity was overall slightly low, but tannin quality is excellent. The 2016 Affinity Cabernet is gorgeous, with up-front ripe and plummy fruit. The older vines at La Londe Vineyard deliver lovely, ripe red cherry and raspberry jam on the palate, with hints of vanilla and sweet spice rounding out this wine’s inviting personality. This release shows well upon release — with a beautiful, inherent suppleness — but a year or two (or a decade) of cellar time will help the wine show its best.