Krupp Brothers Estates Veraison Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

94 Points - Jeb Dunnick

Notes from the Winemakers

Rising high above marine layer fog in the Vaca Mountains with red, volcanic rocky soil, Stageoach Vineyard produces some of Napa Valley's most coveted fruit. Dr. Jan Krupp hand selected his favorite blocks for Krupp Brothers to create wines of great intensity, nuance and structure.

Jan and his brother Bart fell in love with the rugged mountain site that would become one of Napa's most iconic vineyards. Despite its harsh desert landscape  – riddled with rocks and boulders, and choked with chaparral with no known water source and no road access – they saw the makings of a world-class vineyard.  In 1995, with the help of a water witch, the removal of more than 1 million tons of rock, and the construction of a snaking road requiring 135 legal documents, Stagecoach Vineyard was born. Today, Stagecoach is the largest contiguous vineyard in Napa, providing fruit for some of the area's finest wineries.

The brothers sold the vineyard in 2017, but Jan continues in his role at the vineyard, paying careful attention to the farming of the blocks retained for Krupp Brothers.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Veraison Cabernet opens with stunning
boysenberry, cinnamon, and clove scents, with a hint of California bay leaf. Elegantly
structured with a velvety texture and weight, the palate reveals dark, juicy boysenberry,
semisweet dark chocolate, and nuances of cardamom and clove for a long, beautifully
layered finish. Pair with filet mignon in a mushroom wine reduction, rack of lamb or
grilled eggplant. Drink now through 2035.