2002 Robinson Estate Merlot
Stag's Leap District
Napa Valley

Contrary to what you have been led to believe by the movie “Sideways”, Merlot is not the drink of wine morons and wanna-bees. Actually, the fact that they hated Merlot in that flick has made it cool for us and our readership, who represent the vanguard of California wine drinkers, to drink the stuff again. It’s called the cutting edge, people, and you’re teetering on it. Many of you are already familiar with the Robinson Family Cab, and thus already know about the quality of fruit coming off this tiny vineyard. Their Merlot is no slouch, giving up ripe blueberries and boysenberries to the nose and tongue, with nice touches of allspice, milk chocolate, vanilla, and that classic Stag’s Leap leather. Round, juicy, and supple, with easy going tannins, this would probably age well, but won’t because you’re going to drink it all up in a matter of weeks after you get it. Don’t get stranded without the Robinson Family.
 

The Wine Country Newsletter
The Wine Country's 2002 Wine of the Year
1999 Robinson Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap District Napa Valley
 

Robinson Family 2001
Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

Produced on 7 acres, the Robinson Family vineyards is nestled against the foot of the large rock formation known as Stag's Leap Palisades. This volcanic soil stresses the vines giving the fruit an intense, robust flavor which is handpicked by the entire family. Enter the winemaker, enological wizard Charles Hendricks. From the grapes, he makes an incredibly balanced and elegant wine filled with aromas of cherry, dark chocolate, caramel and hint of tobacco. The flavors of black cherry, brooding sage and chocolate unfurl as the wine opens in the glass. An absolutely gorgeous expression  of Cabernet, this production is limited to a mere 300 cases.
 

2001 Robinson Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap District, Napa, Valley

This is another giant wine from a tiny winery. The Robinson Vineyard was established in the late 60's by Bud Robinson, who began making home wines with his now legendary buddies Nathan Fay and Tom Turnbull under the now defunct "Fay and Robinson-Turnbull" label, better known as "FART" wines. I kid you not, this is the real story. Cab, merlot, and Franc, and is a true family affair; the vineyard is farmed and picked by the whole clan. This vintage, their third commercial release, is 97% Cabernet, finished off with a splash of Franc. Winemaker Charles Hendricks (Viader, Barnett) helped guide this wine from berry to bottle, coaxing classic Stag's Leap aromas of ripe cherry, cocoa, caramel, sage, and dust. In the mouth, these flavors continue, with additional hints of cola, smoke, and even more black cherry. The tannins are dense and weighty, promising years of cellarability or a wonderfully masochistic drink in it's youth. We've been touting these wines from the beginning, but you'd better get on the gravy train now, because some wine writer is sure to take notice of these folks sooner or later. Don't get stranded without the Robinsons.
 

2001 Robinson Family Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap District

If you've never heard of this wine you are not alone. We had not heard of it either until lasts week. We were pretty much blown away. It's wonderful and once the word gets out, this wine will be history. The Robinson Family Ranch consist of 80 acres that rest at the foot of the Stag's Leap Palisades. 7 acres were planted in the late 60's to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc by the Robinson family patriarch, Norman (Bud) Robinson with the help of Nathan Fay and Father Tom Turnbull.
The 300 cases of this beauty were made by legendary winemaker, Chrles Hendricks, a skilled artisan known for the wines he's made at Viader, Barnett, and Regusci. He has well deserved reputation for getting it right. He hit the mark on this one. Full bodied with an intoxicating melange of viscous, rich and ripe flavors. Ripe black cherries dominate and complimented by ample flavors of anise, earthy loam, and toast. This gem finishes with a sweet ripe lingering fruit basket and chewy tannins. This is a super example of what Stag's Leap Cab is capable of. Remarkably enough this wine is currently available by the case, but I have a sneaking suspicion that will not last long.
 

PRIMA 2001 Newsletter
Ristorante E Negozio Di Vini
Walnut Creek, CA

1998 Robinson Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Another 1998 Cabernet that defies conventional wisdom vis a vis vintage charts. The Robinsons actually own half of the highly visible rock outcropping known as Stag's Leap so, one would have a hard time finding a more centrally located vineyard in the district. It's actually located straight behind Steltzner's place and keeps going up until you can't go up anymore. The Robinsons' little vineyard was planted a generation ago by their grandfather, but it has been over the past few vintages that any of the fruit has been bottled separately for the owners. The winemaking genius behind the win is Charles Hendricks of Viader and Barnett fame. In 1998 he fashioned a powerful multi-dimensional wine rich in Stag Leap's hallmark blackberry fruit and a nice hint of mint and sage. It's a lovely achievement that has created a mini-sensation around here from the day we first tried it. And loads better than their 1997! Go figure. Only 230 cases.
 

HEADLINES

1999 Robinson Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap District Estate Bottled

Ultra rich "brooding" nose of black currants, dark cherry, bouillon, vanilla and mocha. The equally large scale flavors are of cassis, black cherry, bouillon, toast, mocha and vanilla, and they submerge the tannins in the classic Stag's Leap manner, but with much more power and body. Though currently lacking the elegance that time will bring, the wine succeeds at this point through sheer generosity and weight. Terrific by 2005, it will give even greater rewards to the more patient. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 190 cases produced.
 

The Cannery Wine Cellars
Robinson Family 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is one of the hidden gems of the Napa Valley. The vineyard dates back to the early 70's during the days when Nathan Fay, Father Tom Turnbull and Bud Robinson began making home wines. For years the Robinsons would sell their grapes and it wasn't until after the death of Bud that the family decided to make a small batch of "commercial" wine. This is the second release of the hillside property and...wow...we are impressed. Only 190 cases were produced. Wonderful, rich inviting aromas of black cherry and vanilla toast, with hints of sage elude you to the wine's evolving layers of flavor. Its deep colored body is loaded with forward black currant and flavors. Lingering on in the long lasting finish that serenades the palate.
 

1999 Robinson Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District
Napa Valley

"Come over here", Tim motioned me as he stood at our wine bar with a dark, rich-looking glass of something. "I want you to try something. We have a new Cab in the store, and I think you're gonna like it," he said. I breathed in the rich Cabernet fruit and th gentle oak. "Ahh, this what I like." I affirmed. Then I swallowed the rich, delicious, deep, concentrated wine from this estate Stag's Leap District wine. It was as close to Napa Valley perfection as it gets.


 

1998 ROBINSON FAMILY VINEYARDS
Estate, Stag's Leap District
Cabernet Sauvignon

We tasted this along side some $90 to $100 Stag's Leap Cabs and thought this was a really good deal or maybe just under priced. Charles Hendricks is the winemaker on this 230 case inaugural production. He also make Regusci, Barnett, & Paoletti. The blend is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot. They were kind enough to use French Oak so as not to violate the delicate nuances of this silky sweetheart. It is enjoyable now and will improve for 2-3 more years. The wonderful thing about this wine is that it gives instant gratification along with expensive tasting flavors at a non-inflated price. At least for this year.