Deep ruby color; cherry, dark fruits on the nose; cherry, plum, strawberry, blueberry, cassis, bell pepper on the palate.
Dry; very fruit forward with restrained tannin integrated with restrained oak. Smooth, round, generously delicious. Full bodied. Very flavorful, especially on the finish. Appears to be mostly cabernet sauvignon, but some sources indicate dollops of petite verdot, merlot, and assorted other red grapes are small parts of mix; 14.5% ABV.
Twelve years after landing in America in 1924, Sicilian immigrants Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. The website notes: “Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.”
The Black Stallion name comes from the winery grounds becoming the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in 1963. The website notes: “The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.”
Ralf Holdenried is the winemaker at Black Stallion. He emphasizes attention to blends. Website notes: “The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.”
Black Stallion Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 is deliciously fruit-forward Napa that refrains from too much oak and over-the-top fruit ripeness and massive alcohol. Bravo. It presents the excellence of Napa’s dark fruit without being obnoxious. Bravo. Pair with rich, red meats; grilled tenderloin; pepper-rubbed pork chops; dark chicken meat; duck breast; creamy blue cheese. Heck, this will go with gourmet burgers, meatloaf, comfort food if you need that to get you through the night. $25-31
