The Max Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon conjures aromas of ripe cherry and cedar. The palate is crisp and textured with notes of mocha, black currant, and vanilla, which balance the endless acidity, chewy tannins and a hint of French oak.
This wine was built to complement, and not overpower, making a wine that is perfect for a holiday supper.
Specifications
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation: Max Vineyard in Yountville
Vintage 2012
Aging: 22 months in 35% new French oak
Fermentation: Whole berry fermented for over 2 weeks with extended maceration for 20 days
Winery: Stewart Cellars
Founder: Michael Stewart
Location: Yountville, CA
At Stewart Cellars, it’s the quest that inspires us. The quest for the ideal site, for consistently lush fruit, for the like-minded grower who labors toward the perfect expression of a vineyard. We build lasting relationships with viticulturists and together we test the limits of what an exceptional patch of soil can yield. Our requirement for the resulting wine is simple: it must deliver beyond expectation every time.
Our quest takes us to some of the most respected vineyards across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Our focus is on vineyard designate wines that exemplify the terroir of their respective vineyards. Our intention with each bottle is that we fulfill our promise a thousand times over – only the best of the best bears the Stewart family name.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How about we get the vintage clearly stated in the offer?
Best we have here is the bottle shot, and we know those aren’t always accurate.
Nowhere is it to be found…
@rjquillin Agreed, although you can click on the price comparison link and see that it also shows as a 2012 on the Stewart website. I’m trying to figure out if this is a different bottling than was previously offered on WW. I bought 2 bottles of 2009 Stewart Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $45 apiece on 11/25/2012 with a suggested retail price of somewhere between $60 - $65. Different wine or just lower price point now?
Answering my own question, there is indeed another 2012 Stewart Cab Sauv bottling that retails in the $65 range. Looks like this is the first bottling of their Max Vineyard Cab? No other vintages listed on CT.
@TechnoVikingHERE is the CT entry for tonight’s offer. I think Cesare is still getting used to the earlier start time of these offers, haha. Or maybe he is still at a Super Bowl party…
@rjquillin Good question as the winery was founded by Michael Stewart and I did not see any mention of an Alan under “About Us” or “Our People” on their website.
And this is the Year of the Dog, not the Year of the Cat!
Stewart Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
3 bottles for $71.99 $24/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $232.99 $19.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@Twich22 Agreed. I would be up for a bottle to try, but don’t take many flyers on $20 cabs. If I do, my tastes have been leaning to the WA cabs over Napa lately.
@hey_zeus I would also be interested in splitting a case. (4) ea? Paul Hobbs is the winemaker. Just ordered the Merlot from Stewart. 2013. $22. V good juice.
@coxxoc & @johnnelson Done! I’ll keep you guys informed and then we can figure out logistics after shipment arrives. Hopefully we might have PM by then?!
Here is article that should give everyone a sense of the fruit sources (Beckstoffer among others) and the winery.
@johnnelson7333 That is a different bottling that sells at a higher price point. This is a single vineyard bottling from the Max Vineyard in Yountville. It appears to be their first vintage of this wine.
@coxxoc & @johnnelson do you guys want to split with one more casemate? Someone wants in. We can bring it down to 3 bottles per. Let me know so I tell them either way. Thanks!
@iqueal we are good for now. I believe another group is in for another case but not sure where they are on the number of casemates. I’ll post later tonight with update.
@iqueal We did get a fourth casemate and I was running errands in the storm so I couldn’t post. Got home and completely forgot about it. We will definitely keep you in mind for any future cases. Thanks and my apologies for not getting to you quicker.
@arielleslie When someone talks about chewy tannins, they mean it’s a young wine with substantial, noticeable tannin in the finish, and maybe even in the midpalate. Depending on the rest of the characteristics of the wine, and the vintage generally, that can be a sign the wine will likely age over a long period of time (10-20 years or more) or it can be a sign the wine is out of balance and will never knit. It takes a certain amount of experience to know which is likely (remember, with wine over time, there is only likelihood, never certainty).
For background, 2012 was one of the most successful years so far in the 21st century for serious Cabernet Sauvignon (especially in Napa), and is considered to have very great promise in the better wines. Even the lesser wines often seem very good and ageworthy. Of course, the better wines (and this wine’s description suggest it will fit the pattern) will need at least 10, maybe even 15, years to reach the maturity that makes them special. And, since it’s only a little more than 5 years past 2012 harvest, the wines are likely just transitioning from an initial red/fresh fruity charm (if they have it) to the closed or muted period between about 5-6 and 9-10 when they are at their least enjoyable.
I’d say this wine is worth trying if you like Cabernet at all, though I have not had it and was not a rat for it.
@rpm this does appear to be more accessible than Stewart’s higher priced bottling though, just basing that on winery notes. And although I have my share of older domestic cabs and others as well, I tend to drink them much sooner than I do there French and Italian counterparts. Different strokes…
North County San Diego casemates, speak up if you want to split an order…I’m not in for a case buy this time, but will take up to 2 bottles if anyone wants to take the lead.
@dbarrym@shanebird I’m thinking we don’t quite have enough inertia here for a case. That would be just under $80 each for four bottles, or a split of three for ~$25.
@rjquillin I’d be in for 2 bottles but not 4; between Woot and Casemates I’ve bought 4 cases in the last month though a Napa cab at $20 does get me interested!
@rpm@Kawa ok, I am buying a case. You can choose the # of bottles you want (I am ok with as little as 1 and as many as 12). I will store them in Manhattan until you are ready for them. send me a note at willkimmail [google]
My SIWBM is holding up very well. This would make for three Casemates purchases already. At this pace, maybe my kids will finally manage to drink down the inventory - it seems obvious that I don’t have the willpower to reduce my buying pace below my drinking pace. And yes, I know I can increase my drinking pace, but that brings its own issues.
Anyway, anyone in SD or MN up for a split? I’d prefer a three-way or even four-way split, as a way of convincing myself that I’m really not buying all that much.
I’m standing firm for now. However, that could possibly change if we were to get:
a) Tasting notes from some rats.
and/or
b) Feedback/participation from the winery.
@klezman It would have been awesome for a Rep or Rat to have helped with the impulse to buy. I’m a napa cab guy amongst many others! But cherry and cedar with currant in French oak doesn’t help too much for me.
How much are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2012 Stewart Cab Sauv Max Vineyard - $55 = 19.10%
@mrn1 Thanks, I was a little skeptical after the very first Casemates offer was only 11% less by the case but that has increased to as much as 33% and most offers seem to be falling within the 15% - 25% range.
Couldn’t find much information on this wine, no lab rats, no notes from Winery, no one wrote anything about it. Decent pedigree from Winery, good location, good vineyard.
Price is very reasonable for good wine for this location. If wine is good, this is a steal! If wine is mediocre for this vineyard, still a good deal. Can’t see much downside, so I bought a case. The worst thing that can happen is a house wine and a reasonable price. Also possible that I will kick myself in the backside for not buying enough.
@kjcbike I was just thinking the same. After looking through the winery site I felt that if CM offered a merlot/cab/Pinot mix that would have been fun from such a mysterious place. I’m tempted this last hour for 3.
Ok, so we’ve got some discussion going for Chicago area folks to do a split. Searching around, is there a way to contact other members behind the scenes? I would hope so since the sharing thing is how this is being presented. If this has been addressed, missed it. I still find the messaging here kind of hard to follow, but I’m trying!
I opened a bottle tonight after a long day at work. My initial thoughts were “Man, I am glad I bought a case!”.
There is fine sediment in the bottle on PnP. I am guessing this was unfined? Color is a translucent plumb purple. Dark, but not crazy dark. No sediment in the glass. Taste is cherries and blackberries with light to medium tannins, light to medium acidity, and medium to long finish. Its not especially complex but it is very elegant. Very easy to drink. No bad tastes. Leaves a good taste on the tongue. Amazing after a long day of work. This is a really great wine, and I am really enjoying it. Like I said, I am very glad I bought a case.
I had this with my famous homemade chili. It held up surprisingly well. I dont expect that this is really built for aging, but It should hold up for a while, and Ill check in on it over the next few days to see how it does.
Tasting Notes
The Max Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon conjures aromas of ripe cherry and cedar. The palate is crisp and textured with notes of mocha, black currant, and vanilla, which balance the endless acidity, chewy tannins and a hint of French oak.
This wine was built to complement, and not overpower, making a wine that is perfect for a holiday supper.
Specifications
Price Comparison
$540/case at Stewart Cellars (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Stewart Cellars
Founder: Michael Stewart
Location: Yountville, CA
At Stewart Cellars, it’s the quest that inspires us. The quest for the ideal site, for consistently lush fruit, for the like-minded grower who labors toward the perfect expression of a vineyard. We build lasting relationships with viticulturists and together we test the limits of what an exceptional patch of soil can yield. Our requirement for the resulting wine is simple: it must deliver beyond expectation every time.
Our quest takes us to some of the most respected vineyards across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Our focus is on vineyard designate wines that exemplify the terroir of their respective vineyards. Our intention with each bottle is that we fulfill our promise a thousand times over – only the best of the best bears the Stewart family name.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, February 19th - Thursday, February 22nd
How about we get the vintage clearly stated in the offer?
Best we have here is the bottle shot, and we know those aren’t always accurate.
Nowhere is it to be found…
@rjquillin Agreed, although you can click on the price comparison link and see that it also shows as a 2012 on the Stewart website. I’m trying to figure out if this is a different bottling than was previously offered on WW. I bought 2 bottles of 2009 Stewart Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $45 apiece on 11/25/2012 with a suggested retail price of somewhere between $60 - $65. Different wine or just lower price point now?
@chipgreen beat me to it.
@chipgreen
That’s perfectly non-intuitive and unnecessarily obscure.
No, I’m not grumpy tonight. The Halcon and Victory are both quite nice.
@rjquillin I agree (again) that it shouldn’t be necessary to do that but it is a workaround nonetheless.
Answering my own question, there is indeed another 2012 Stewart Cab Sauv bottling that retails in the $65 range. Looks like this is the first bottling of their Max Vineyard Cab? No other vintages listed on CT.
@chipgreen i ended up at same CT link. I am on board with the whole vintage clarification. Looks promising.
@TechnoViking HERE is the CT entry for tonight’s offer. I think Cesare is still getting used to the earlier start time of these offers, haha. Or maybe he is still at a Super Bowl party…
for newbies: Napa valley cab a must.
for veterans and newbies: $ ~ $20.00 per bottle for a Napa cab? no where else on earth.
@Winedavid49 Yes, this is a rocking price.
But what’s the connection with Alan?
@rjquillin Good question as the winery was founded by Michael Stewart and I did not see any mention of an Alan under “About Us” or “Our People” on their website.
And this is the Year of the Dog, not the Year of the Cat!
@rjquillin Answered HERE
Any one in the Las Vegas area want to split/divide amongst 3?
Stewart Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
3 bottles for $71.99 $24/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $232.99 $19.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2012 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Max Vineyard New CT
2012 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Max Vineyard Old CT
Anyone in SF want to split?
@michaepf - Still down to split. Long-time Wooter and forum lurker, based in downtown SF. Also available via Gmail, same name.
@michaepf
I could do a couple of bottles
Now how would that be compared to old “fan favorites” like Ardente Atlas Peak? @Winedavid49
I hope we have a lab rat out there
@Twich22 Agreed. I would be up for a bottle to try, but don’t take many flyers on $20 cabs. If I do, my tastes have been leaning to the WA cabs over Napa lately.
Anyone in Dallas or surrounding area wanna go in on a case. Looking for two or three others…
@hey_zeus I could do 2 or 3 in dallas area.
@hey_zeus I would also be interested in splitting a case. (4) ea? Paul Hobbs is the winemaker. Just ordered the Merlot from Stewart. 2013. $22. V good juice.
Here is article that should give everyone a sense of the fruit sources (Beckstoffer among others) and the winery. http://napavalleyregister.com/wine/stewart-cellars-the-second-generation-builds-a-family-brand/article_5fd478ed-3410-57f3-b1f0-8117044edcf2.html
@coxxoc & @johnnelson Done! I’ll keep you guys informed and then we can figure out logistics after shipment arrives. Hopefully we might have PM by then?!
Your order is
/giphy sturdy-jolly-bait
@hey_zeus awesome - thanks. I’m in the Northpark Mall area so close I believe for an exchange. Thanks!
@hey_zeus
Woop, I am close to NorthPark too so can meet up when ya have the goods.
@johnnelson7333 That is a different bottling that sells at a higher price point. This is a single vineyard bottling from the Max Vineyard in Yountville. It appears to be their first vintage of this wine.
@coxxoc & @johnnelson do you guys want to split with one more casemate? Someone wants in. We can bring it down to 3 bottles per. Let me know so I tell them either way. Thanks!
@hey_zeus I am in for 3 bottles if you still in need of another person.
@iqueal we are good for now. I believe another group is in for another case but not sure where they are on the number of casemates. I’ll post later tonight with update.
@hey_zeus I can go down to 3 if we need to, I’m fine either way
@coxxoc @hey_zeus I am fine with 3 bottles as well. Drinking the '13 Stewart Merlot right now listening to this storm. Drinks like $45.
@iqueal We did get a fourth casemate and I was running errands in the storm so I couldn’t post. Got home and completely forgot about it. We will definitely keep you in mind for any future cases. Thanks and my apologies for not getting to you quicker.
Any folks in the Pittsburgh area want to split a case? @steelersluver @fredpgh @jonijax @nkmunjal
@jwill1981 I am in to split, what is the best way to communicate directly?
@snapster You guys put a link to The Fall in the description. You officially Rock.
“chewy”???
@arielleslie When someone talks about chewy tannins, they mean it’s a young wine with substantial, noticeable tannin in the finish, and maybe even in the midpalate. Depending on the rest of the characteristics of the wine, and the vintage generally, that can be a sign the wine will likely age over a long period of time (10-20 years or more) or it can be a sign the wine is out of balance and will never knit. It takes a certain amount of experience to know which is likely (remember, with wine over time, there is only likelihood, never certainty).
For background, 2012 was one of the most successful years so far in the 21st century for serious Cabernet Sauvignon (especially in Napa), and is considered to have very great promise in the better wines. Even the lesser wines often seem very good and ageworthy. Of course, the better wines (and this wine’s description suggest it will fit the pattern) will need at least 10, maybe even 15, years to reach the maturity that makes them special. And, since it’s only a little more than 5 years past 2012 harvest, the wines are likely just transitioning from an initial red/fresh fruity charm (if they have it) to the closed or muted period between about 5-6 and 9-10 when they are at their least enjoyable.
I’d say this wine is worth trying if you like Cabernet at all, though I have not had it and was not a rat for it.
@rpm this does appear to be more accessible than Stewart’s higher priced bottling though, just basing that on winery notes. And although I have my share of older domestic cabs and others as well, I tend to drink them much sooner than I do there French and Italian counterparts. Different strokes…
@kaolis their
@arielleslie
@kaolis kudos to that lovely 5-minute edit window.
@dave
North County San Diego casemates, speak up if you want to split an order…I’m not in for a case buy this time, but will take up to 2 bottles if anyone wants to take the lead.
@dbarrym Not NCSD, but if we get a rat report that is favorable I may be convinced to help out a bit.
@dbarrym I’m interested in splitting now or in the future, I live in Temecula but head over to NCSD often.
@dbarrym @shanebird I’m thinking we don’t quite have enough inertia here for a case. That would be just under $80 each for four bottles, or a split of three for ~$25.
A rat could have been an influencing factor here.
Interest either way?
@rjquillin I’d be in for 2 bottles but not 4; between Woot and Casemates I’ve bought 4 cases in the last month
though a Napa cab at $20 does get me interested!
@dbarrym With just the two of us this doesn’t seem to pencil out in a favorable way.
Too many variables and too much unknown.
Guess we’ll see what @winedavid49 has next in store in ~13 minutes or so.
help i am not the founder but my name is michael stewart
@mstew Then I guess you have to buy some?
NYC - Anyone interested in a split?
@InVinoVeritas If we can get at least 2 more, sure.
@InVinoVeritas I’d be interested in 4 bottles, but I won’t be back in the area until late April
@rpm @Kawa ok, I am buying a case. You can choose the # of bottles you want (I am ok with as little as 1 and as many as 12). I will store them in Manhattan until you are ready for them. send me a note at willkimmail [google]
@InVinoVeritas Hi! I’m interested. Keep me in the loop for any NYC splits. Please send me an email at west58thst at yahoo dot com to confirm. Thanks!
@Vince247 Hi, I’m interested too. I’d take 3 or 4 out of the case.
@cfhudson send me an email and I can include you
@InVinoVeritas cfhudson [google]
@jwill1981 I’ll take a couple bottles in the Pittsburgh group!
baa-ram-ewe !
My SIWBM is holding up very well. This would make for three Casemates purchases already. At this pace, maybe my kids will finally manage to drink down the inventory - it seems obvious that I don’t have the willpower to reduce my buying pace below my drinking pace. And yes, I know I can increase my drinking pace, but that brings its own issues.
Anyway, anyone in SD or MN up for a split? I’d prefer a three-way or even four-way split, as a way of convincing myself that I’m really not buying all that much.
@coynedj What pushed you over the fence?
I’m standing firm for now. However, that could possibly change if we were to get:
a) Tasting notes from some rats.
and/or
b) Feedback/participation from the winery.
@kawichris650 Same. I am not one to be fooled by a pretty face. Well, maybe I am. But not this time.
I’d be in for a group buy in the West Palm Beach area. If there are any takers let me know!
@GatorFL I wish you were closer…I’m just north of Orlando.
I’m confused by the price:
(24 x 3) + (2.67 x 3) = $80.01
Is the total with shipping $71.99 or $80.01 ?
@bjwca
Nevermind, I get it now:
$72 + $8 shipping = $80
Any Chicago area interest?
@kaolis Did you check the Chicago Casemates thread?
@jmdavidson1 No sir, guess I should huh? Still getting my sea legs here figuring out what’s what.
Any groups in Baltimore?
@jchasma you found us!
Certainly seems like a great deal. But it takes more than just a great deal for me to be able to buy right now!
@klezman It would have been awesome for a Rep or Rat to have helped with the impulse to buy. I’m a napa cab guy amongst many others! But cherry and cedar with currant in French oak doesn’t help too much for me.
Wonder what the PH on this is.
Torrance here, anyone want to share a 3?
How much are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2012 Stewart Cab Sauv Max Vineyard - $55 = 19.10%
@chipgreen Nice ongoing job here! Discounts like this make it worth my while to meet others to split cases.
@mrn1 Thanks, I was a little skeptical after the very first Casemates offer was only 11% less by the case but that has increased to as much as 33% and most offers seem to be falling within the 15% - 25% range.
Would love a split 2-3 ways in SE MI…any interest?
@kasandrae Yup. Four bottles preferred, but would take six. I’m just north of Ann Arbor.
@borisgoodenough ok cool! Who’s buyin’? Me? Anyone else?
Hope someone bought the case…I was stuck at work all night and forgot til now, and it’s gone
@kasandrae Sorry, didn’t get to it yesterday. Looks like we missed out – but there’s always another wine.
In Upland, CA or surrounding areas anyone interested in splitting a case?
One case on the way for splitting among interested Chicago area Casemates (further discussion in the Chicago thread).
/giphy childish-mossy-wilderness
/giphy technical-jovial-yarn
Couldn’t find much information on this wine, no lab rats, no notes from Winery, no one wrote anything about it. Decent pedigree from Winery, good location, good vineyard.
Price is very reasonable for good wine for this location. If wine is good, this is a steal! If wine is mediocre for this vineyard, still a good deal. Can’t see much downside, so I bought a case. The worst thing that can happen is a house wine and a reasonable price. Also possible that I will kick myself in the backside for not buying enough.
@kjcbike I was just thinking the same. After looking through the winery site I felt that if CM offered a merlot/cab/Pinot mix that would have been fun from such a mysterious place. I’m tempted this last hour for 3.
@kjcbike and @TechnoViking (and anyone else that’s interested). There’s plenty of information about this wine, if you use this CT entry:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2034065 (New)
https://www.cellartracker.com/classic/wine.asp?iWine=2034065 (Old)
After I found this alternative entry, I bought this wine. I do like a decent Cab, and this surely seems like it fits the bill.
@Shrdlu But not the same wine, and that matters.
@Shrdlu as RJ points out, not the same Cab - different fruit source and a higher price point
Rats. No rats.
Ok, so we’ve got some discussion going for Chicago area folks to do a split. Searching around, is there a way to contact other members behind the scenes? I would hope so since the sharing thing is how this is being presented. If this has been addressed, missed it. I still find the messaging here kind of hard to follow, but I’m trying!
@kaolis Check out the “gathering” section of Casemates, plenty of people looking to meet up and split there.
This is long over… but we feel opened a bottle last night an WOOOOOOWEEEEEE! That’s good!
@raccoon81 Opened it a couple of nights ago, and completely agree!
@raccoon81 also agree, I need to go full case more often!
I opened a bottle tonight after a long day at work. My initial thoughts were “Man, I am glad I bought a case!”.
There is fine sediment in the bottle on PnP. I am guessing this was unfined? Color is a translucent plumb purple. Dark, but not crazy dark. No sediment in the glass. Taste is cherries and blackberries with light to medium tannins, light to medium acidity, and medium to long finish. Its not especially complex but it is very elegant. Very easy to drink. No bad tastes. Leaves a good taste on the tongue. Amazing after a long day of work. This is a really great wine, and I am really enjoying it. Like I said, I am very glad I bought a case.
I had this with my famous homemade chili. It held up surprisingly well. I dont expect that this is really built for aging, but It should hold up for a while, and Ill check in on it over the next few days to see how it does.