Taste Black Stallion Estate Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with Winemaker Ralf Holdenried

The unfaltering pursuit of unforgettable wines.

Located on the historic Silverado Trail in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, Black Stallion Estate Winery pays homage to the rich history of the 32-acre estate which was once home to the Silverado Equestrian Center. The property was purchased in 2010 by the Indelicato family, a fourth generation family-owned company founded in 1924. Sourcing from the most prestigious vineyards, the winery is committed to making only the most expressive wines.

Viticulture

Superb vineyards are the foundation of this Cabernet’s consistency and complexity. Comprising a diverse range of terroirs, these top Napa Valley sub-appellations each lend a range of unique influence, yielding distinctive and dramatically different flavors and structures that have dense, dark berry fruit characteristics and relatively high acidity.

Winemaking

A careful pursuit of perfection underlies each step taken to craft this Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes from each vineyard were fermented separately, yielding an array of distinct characteristics. Hillside fruit contributed firm tannins, while fruit from lower elevations brought plush, rich flavors. A rigorous barrel program matches each lot to the types of oak best suited to enhance it. For example, lots for the 2015 vintage matured in different types of barrels; each barrel was chosen for an ability to impart a subtle range of flavors. After undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel, followed by 16 months of aging the lots were evaluated blind. Multiple trial blends led to the final cuvée, which includes small amounts of inky, tannin-rich Petit Sirah and Merlot, which skillfully distinguishes this Cabernet’s poised, layered structure.

Tasting Notes

The full-bodied structure is a hallmark. The wine opens with stunning aromas of blackberry, black cherry and toasty scents; on the palate is concentrated with bold, velvety flavors of cassis, plum, blackberry and dried apple. Intense mouth filling fruit linger on the palate and end in a beautifully elegant finish.

Professional Reviews

Three 90 + POINT SCORES from Decanter Magazine California Cabernet Panel Tastings including 95 POINTS for 2011 vintage

Seven consecutive 90+ POINT SCORES from Wine Enthusiast

Four consecutive Gold Medals from Germany Mundus Vini International Wine Competition

Three consecutive 90+ POINT SCORES from James Suckling

Let’s taste with our winemaker Ralf Holdenried

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Translated by ICY