Staglin Family Vineyard : Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Rich aromas and elegant, a fine Californian red wine by Staglin Family Vineyard

The estate

In 1985, the Staglin family acquired an estate founded in 1864 in the Rutherford Bench wine region of Napa Valley. Their ambition is to continue to produce fine Californian wines all while respecting the work initiated by the founders of the estate.

The vineyard

The 24-hectare organically-farmed Staglin Family Vineyard is located on the western slope of the highest mountain in the Mayacamas Range, Mount St. John.

 André Tchelistcheff, a famous winemaker, has greatly contributed to the development and reputation of the finest Californian wines and the wines by the Staglin Family Vineyard. Michel Rolland has been the estate's consultant oenologist since 2000. An underground cellar, inaugurated in 2002, is dedicated to the ageing of these fine Californian wines, which enjoy an international reputation.

The wine

Salus refers to the Roman goddess of health and well-being. Following Brandon Stagling's diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1990, his parents Shari and Garen Staglin created an event in 1995, called "One Mind" since 2008, to raise awareness and funding for research into brain and neurological diseases.

Renowned scientists, musicians and other wineries have come together for this festival. All proceeds from the sales of Staglin Family Vineyard's Salus wines are donated to research. More than 450 million dollars have been raised since its creation.

The vintage

2015 was an exceptional year despite some periods of strong heat and low humidity. The warm and dry winter favoured an early budburst, enhanced by the rainfall in February. Spring conditions were optimal, followed by strong summer heat which accelerated the ripening process. The harvest of this vintage is the earliest of the last 12 years.

Vinification and ageing

Staglin Family Vineyard's 2015 Salus Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 91% of which are new.

The blend

Staglin Family Vineyard Salus 2015 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Merlot (18%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (3%).

The tasting

Nose

The nose is complex, with intense aromas of fruit (red and black) mixed with herbaceous notes, recently ploughed damp earth, tobacco, camphor and Tellicherry black pepper.

Palate

Crystalline, with a concentration of ripe cherries and bright black raspberries. Fine tannins combine with notes of espresso, cocoa nibs and hazelnut butter. This fine wine should be decanted before tasting to enhance its aromatic palette.