A blend of 76.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.8% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 0.4% Malbec, Chimney Rock's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Stags Leap District offers up some peppery-clove spice notes and hints of hickory layered atop blackberries and black cherries. It's full-bodied, velvety and slightly open-knit but nicely concentrated, ending long, with hints of vanilla oak.
92 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Feb 2025)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District comes entirely from the estate’s parcels in the Stags Leap District and checks in as 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec, all raised in 50% new barrels. It's clearly a successful 2022 and has a great nose of ripe red and black fruits, chocolaty wood, tobacco, and cedar pencils. A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s medium to full-bodied and has a round, plush mouthfeel and outstanding length. I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming decade. It reminds me of the 2019. Hats off to winemaker Elizabeth Vianna for a brilliant classic cuvée in a challenging vintage.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2025)
Classically styled, this showcases ripe blackberry fruit, graphite and rich toasty oak spices, intertwined with perfumed florals. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly structured, with firm yet fine tannins that have impressive staying power. Crushed stone minerality builds alongside hints of white pepper and sage, carrying through to a long, refined finish. The blend includes 20% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Destemmed fruit, with winemaker Elizabeth Vianna employing extended skin contact and fermentation, primarily in stainless steel at cooler temperatures. The wine is then aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak.
92 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Mar 2025)
The nose is lifted and fresh, with aromas of wild blackberries, blueberries and herbs de Provence. The palate is full-bodied with notes of coffee beans, tobacco and cigar box. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
91 points, James Suckling (Sep 2024)
The 2022 SLD Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 76.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.8% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot, and 0.4% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a lot of shaking to bring out notes of prunes and fruit cake, followed by hints of charcoal, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is savory and chewy with appealing freshness and a firm finish.
91 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Jan 2025)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a very pretty, soft wine. Red plum, spice, leather, spice and rose petal all meld together nicely. Pretty floral notes lift the finish. This Napa Valley Cabernet is a charmer. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years.
90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Dec 2024)
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