Crocker & Starr 2016 RLC Cabernet, Napa Valey – 94 Points

The Story: Named  for  the  variations  of  rock,  loam,  and  clay  soils  found  throughout  the  St.  Helena  based  Crocker  Estate  Vineyard,  RLC  is  the  embodiment  of  Crocker  &  Starr  as  a  concept.  Winemaker  and  co-owner  Pam  Starr  had  the  idea  for  RLC  when  she  realized  that  the  blocks  of  vines  that  made  up  the  periphery  of  the  vineyard  were  too  unique  to  play  a  mere  supporting  role  in  her  flagship  ‘Stone  Place’  Cabernet  Sauvignon.  Pam  likes  to  say,  “I  don’t  drive  life,  life  drives  me,”  and  thus  was  born  an  entirely  new  bottling  –one  that  is  more  approachable  to  the  palate  andthe  wallet.

Made  using  the  exact  same  techniques  as  Crocker  &  Starr’s  estate  flagship  Cabernet  bottlings,  RLC  is  a  study  in  unique  terroir.  Fans  familiar  with  Stone  Place’s  signature  dark,  brooding  palate  will  enjoy  RLC’s  supple  tannic  structure,  red  cherry  fruit,  and  lasting  finish.  RLC  is  a  Cabernet  to  enjoy  over  the  next  few  years  while  waiting  for  Stone  Place  to  mature  in  the  cellar

Tasting Notes: The 2016 RLC immediately jumps out of the glass with aromatics of wild black cherries, Tahitian vanilla bean, anise and sandalwood. Flavors of Bing cherry, savory dark chocolate finishing with supple tannins make this a great wine to drink right now, though it can easily age in the cellar for a decade or more.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: ”Coming all from the Crocker Estate fruits and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 60% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon RLC reveals a deep purple color as well as medium to full-bodied richness, lovely notes of cassis, toasted spice, herbes de Provence, and graphite, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s another sensational wine from winemaker and co-owner Pam Starr.”

Robert Parker 94 Points:”The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate RLC is from the Crocker Estate vineyard in St. Helena and is made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. RLC stands for “rock, loam, clay.” Aged 20 months in 60% new French oak, it has a deep garnet-purple color and gives up bold expressions of baked blackcurrants, black cherry cordial and chocolate box with touches of licorice, candied violets and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, firm and finely grained, the palate soars with loads of bright, crunchy fruit, finishing long and layered. 460 cases produced.”