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The Staglin family is known for producing some of Napa Valley’s most approachable Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Bordeaux-blends. The organically farmed vineyard that sits atop the famous Rutherford Bench is considered one of the best places in the region for grape growing. But the family’s 2018 Staglin Family Vineyard, Salus Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just a high-end Napa Valley Cabernet, it’s a bottle that goes to support a very worthy cause.
With a viticulture history that spans over 130 years, the Staglin Family Vineyards is one of Napa’s oldest, and most historic vineyard estates. The first owners to plant the property to grapes, John and Mary Steckter, purchased the land from Serranus Clinton Hastings, a prominent California politician and lawyer who was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California, and the state’s third Attorney General. UC Berkeley’s Hastings College of Law is also named for Serranus Hastings.
The estate changed hands again in 1922, and in 1963, when it was purchased by the Sullivan family who was related by marriage to the Latour family, who owned Beaulieu Vineyards (BV). Under the Sullivan family’s ownerships, grapes from the vineyard were used in BV’s exclusive Georges de Latour Private Reserve label.
In the last few years, some of California’s best known family-owned vineyards have been sold to conglomerates – Shafer, Frank Family, and Heitz Cellars come to mind. One thing that sets Staglin Family Vineyards apart from other high-end Napa Valley Cabernets, is their commitment to remaining a family-owned winery.
When Shari and Garen Staglin purchased the vineyard in 1985, they fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a Napa Valley vineyard. But they didn’t just want the vineyard for themselves, they wanted Staglin Vineyards to be a true family affair. To help nurture their children’s interest in the family’s new endeavor, they gifted Brandon and Shannon a proprietary piece of the business.
That forward-thinking gift seems to have paid off, because today Shannon is the President of Staglin Family Vineyard, and Brandon is the President of One Mind, the family’s off-shoot organization that works with policymakers, scientists, and nonprofits to find cures for neurological disorders and brain injuries.
The Staglin Family’s organic vineyard sits on Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench, an enviable area for growing grapes in the region. Not only are the growing conditions perfect – warm days, and foggy nights with cool ocean breezes – but the volcanic soil sits on top of a gravel bed that was once an ancient stream. Because they’re ideal for both retaining water and drainage, vineyards and gravel go hand-in-hand.
Grapes for the Salus Cabernet are sourced from the family’s own vineyard, as well as from the George III vineyard, which is owned by the man who some call Napa Valley’s most important – and powerful – grape grower Andy Beckstoffer.
The One Mind project hits close to home for the Staglin family. While philanthropy seems to have been stitched into the long term vision of a profitable winery for Shari and Garen, it wasn’t until their son, Brian, developed schizophrenic symptoms while away at college did brain health emerge as the cause they would put their efforts behind.
In addition to the family’s annual One Mind Music Festival concert which has drawn artists like Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw and Jennifer Hudson, all of the profits from the Stalus Cabernet go to supporting the organization.
In the 27 years since the festival fundraising efforts started, over $513 million has been raised – this includes proceeds from the Salus label.
California, USA
Napa, Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.9
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Large Bordeaux
60 to 90 Minutes
Now to 2032
Right out of the gate, this Cabernet had a bit too much alcohol. Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes helped it open up, and the alcohol was less overpowering. After an hour in the decanter, the wine really started to reveal its flavor profile and structure.
In the glass, the wine is a deep garnet. There were a lot of familiar Cabernet aromas on the nose: cedar, plum, black currant, mocha, black pepper, and some graphite.
Aside from the alcohol, which detracted from the overall tasting experience, this wine has all of the qualities of a well made, full-bodied Napa Valley Cabernet. On the palate, we picked up black currant, tobacco, black cherry, plum, raisin, mulberry, and black pepper. There’s definitely some oak on this Cabernet too. The finish was long and satisfying, the tannins were medium, and the viscosity was high. Aside from the higher alcohol, everything about this wine was balanced and inviting.
We give this wine a 91-point score. If the alcohol was more aligned with the wine’s other characteristics, it deserves something closer to a 94.
The 2018 Staglin Family Vineyards, Salus Cabernet Sauvignon retails for around $100.
