Deep ruby-garnet color; dark cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry, redcurrant, blueberry, mulberry, menthol, vanilla, oak on the nose and palate.
Dry; robust tannic bite, decanting recommended; some balancing acidity. Medium-plus body. Firm structure. Dusty mouthfeel thanks to the significant tannins. Grapes came from three quality vineyards—50% Hanna Vineyard, 40% Juliana, 10% Moynier Vineyard. Grapes underwent whole-berry fermentation in stainless steel with wet cap immersion extended for 26 days of maceration—a technique that preserves fruit character, increases tannins influence, intensifies color. The wine then spent 22 months in French oak, 65% new, thus the refined but meaningful oak influence. A classic high-end Napa cab with significant aging potential. 14.5% ABV
Michael Stewart, a successful Texas businessman, founded Stewart Cellars in 2000. Stewart built a technology company, Texas Microsystems, that produced personal computers and servers for the telecommunications industry. After selling his company in 2002, he turned to full-time operations of his fledgling wine company with his wife, Anne.
What began as Michael’s post-retirement venture became a family enterprise when his son, James, joined the operation after a career in television and music. Michael’s daughter, Caroline Stewart Guthrie, next joined the enterprise after a career with Republic National Distributing—a major wine wholesaler. She later worked in wine production for Paul Hobbs in Argentina and California. Today, Caroline is CEO of Stewart Cellars, leads the day-to-day operations and oversees the development of each wine. Caroline’s husband, Blair, is the winemaker at Stewart.
Stewart obtains grapes from their estate Montecillo Vineyard in the Moon Mountain AVA and the highly regarded Beckstoffer Vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon. The website notes: “Stewart Cellars is a multi-generational, family-owned and operated winery that has been producing premium-quality wines since its inception in 2000. With a heavy focus on vineyard designate wines, we continue to produce high-quality wines while simultaneously driving industry change in sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking.”
Stewart Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 concentrated dark fruits with structure built for aging. Fleshy, ripe fruits. Precise, complex, long finish. Premium Napa from quality maker, just entering its best drinking window. Decanting recommended. Pairing—fattier cuts of beef; prime rib, roast beef, braised short ribs, gourmet burger topped with aged cheese (smoked gouda, cheddar, blue cheese); roast rack of lamb with herbs, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, leg of lamb, herbed lamb kebabs; venison. Chicken thighs braised in red wine, roast duck with cherry reduction, turkey with rich gravy and herb stuffing. Eggplant parmesan, mushroom risotto, grilled portobello mushrooms. Cheese—aged cow’s milk cheese, aged gouda; semi-hard sheep’s milk cheeses; manchego, gruyère, comté. $80-85
