Robert Craig Affinity 2015 (750 ml)

After three abundant, mild harvests in a row, the 2015 kicked off with
unseasonably warm temperatures, resulting in early budbreak and bloom. Colder
temperatures in May (the peak of bloom) caused some uneven fruit set which ultimately
resulted in a smaller crop compared to previous years. Harvest was one of the earliest
on record on the valley floor. The ongoing drought continued to be a concern, though
Napa Valley received 75% of normal rainfall.
As with our other 2015 Cabernets, Affinity is startling for its sheer size and weight. The
older vines deliver classic black raspberry, licorice, espresso bean and crushed stones in
the nose and on the palate. The tiny yields are responsible for the intensity of the color
and structure this year. The Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec help
to give the Cabernet Sauvignon a lovely plushness and roundness in the middle. This
beautiful wine should show well upon release, but a year or two (or a decade) of cellar
time will help the wine show its best

94 pts - JS