Staglin Family Vineyard : Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Delicate and rich, a fine Californian red wine

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 schizophrenia diagnosis in 1990, his parents Shari and Garen Staglin created an event in 1995, that bears the name "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 over the years. 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

While 2017 was marked by extreme weather conditions, 2018 benefited from a favourable climate which led to the even and gentle growth of the vineyard. A dry winter preceded a wet start to spring, and ensured an even flowering period and a generous harvest. The temperate summer months favoured the slow and gradual ripening of the grapes which, harvested at optimum ripeness, resulted in fresh, expressive and complex wines.

Vinification and ageing

Staglin Family Vineyard's 2018 Salus Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 84% of which are new.

The blend

Staglin Family Vineyard Salus 2018 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%).

The tasting

The 2018 Salus Cabernet Sauvignon showcases alluringly fruity (blackcurrant, boysenberry, raspberry liqueur) and spicy aromas. The palate combines refined tannins with a silky texture.