2018 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

La Londe "Affinity" Vineyard

Napa Valley

7-YR LIBRARY

750 ml

2018 is Jason Price’s first vintage as head winemaker at Robert Craig Winery after many years in the associate winemaker role. Jason’s attention to detail shows in all the wines, and Affinity 2018 is no exception. La Londe Vineyard in Coombsville was planted by John Caldwell in 1988 on 5C rootstock, and I sometimes wish it were 110R or any other variation that did better in such stony soil. However, the wine exhibits a tremendous sense of site. Though Affinity is our least expensive Cabernet, it is no less cellar worthy than our mountain wine offerings. La Londe Vineyard is simply less expensive to farm by 30%, which is hard to believe at nearly $14K per acre. The vineyard is extremely rocky, and the vines always struggle to produce 3.5 tons per acre.

BLEND: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc & 1% Malbec
CASES PRODUCED: 3288

LA LONDE "AFFINITY" VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY
Just south of Stag’s Leap, nestled in Coombsville’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 3.5 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.

The 2018 edition of Affinity is dark black with pure cassis and espresso bean coming through the wine, which remains supple despite the high tannin count. The additional Bordeaux varieties help the Cabernet to unlock and show itself fully. As always, our Affinity Cabernet represents one of the single best bargains for collectible, age worthy Napa Valley Cabernet.

93 POINTS
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is a terrific entry-level wine in this range. Intense, savory and spice notes lend terrific aromatic nuance and vibrancy to play off a core of dark, inky fruit. Deep and dense, but also wonderfully nuanced, the 2018 Affinity has so much to offer. Most of the fruit is from a single site in Coombsville, with small additions from sites in Rutherford and Howell Mountain. This is an impressive showing from Robert Craig. Drinking window 2025-2038."
- Antonio Galloni, VINOUS, 3/1/21 91 POINTS
"I've always loved this wine, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is another solid vintage for the estate. Lots of currants, blackberries, smoked herbs, graphite, and charcoal notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant texture and outstanding length. It's a classic, impeccably made Cabernet to enjoy any time over the coming 10-15 years."
— Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, 1/27/21

2018 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

2018 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

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