2012 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

La Londe "Affinity" Vineyard

Napa Valley

SOLD OUT

“… inky/purple color, a big sweet kiss of créme de cassis, spice box, mocha and assorted black fruit. … An absolutely stunning value in Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.”
– Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate,
October 2014 issue # 215

750 ml

Affinity (A FIN’ I TE) N.
1. The perfect unity of components sharing a special origin.

Hatched from the cabernet-infused mind of Bob Craig in 1993, this Bordeaux-inspired wine is a blend of the Left Bank Five (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec) with Cabernet Sauvignon commanding the lead on the dance floor. The Cabernet Sauvignon from this hillside property is unusually racy, and mineral laden, even for a boulder strewn, Napa Valley vineyard. The addition of the other four Bordeaux varieties is necessary for the depth, dimension and layers that are present in the wine each vintage; Petit Verdot for color, Malbec for weight, Cabernet Franc for structure and Merlot for luxurious mouthfeel. The fruit is hand picked and hand sorted, then kept in separate lots during fermentation and barrel aging. The resulting cabernet has an affinity for braised meats, grilled fish, hearty pastas, good books, fireplaces and summer evenings on the patio.

BLEND: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
HARVEST: Oct 3 - Oct 29, 2012
AVE SUGAR 25.2° Brix | TA: 6.3g/L | pH: 3.77
ALCOHOL: 14.8%
BARREL AGING: 18 months in Chateau-style French oak; 65% new & 35% 2nd year. Unfiltered and unfined.
BOTTLED: May 19, 2014

The core of our Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from our estate vineyard in the foothills of Mount George on the southern end of Napa Valley’s Vaca mountain range. The yields almost always fail to reach three tons per acre and the soils are unusually rocky and sparse. The vines are in their third decade of existence, and that makes for great concentration and a sense of origin in the resulting wine. Each vintage, Affinity Cabernet displays a youthful charm due to the harmony brought forth in blending, but the structure offered by the volcanic soils means that this wine will reward patience in the cellar.

7-Year Tasting Notes:
The 2012 Vintage of Affinity saw the addition of 40% purchased fruit from other terrific vineyards in the Napa Valley. Beginning in the 2013 vintage, the wine went completely to estate grown to control cost and raise quality. The 2012 Affinity is showing beautifully, and very young. The classic espresso bean and anisette of La Londe vineyard is front and center with a gorgeous Bordeaux nose.

92 Points
“… inky/purple color, a big sweet kiss of créme de cassis, spice box, mocha and assorted black fruit. … An absolutely stunning value in Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.”
– Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 2014 issue # 215

91 Points
“Dark red plums, tobacco and spices blossom in a supple, radiant wine. … The flavors brighten up through the mid-palate and finish, adding energy and polish.”
– Antonio Galloni, Vinous December 2014

2012 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

2012 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

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