Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017." Dec 2011

Winery:  "Aroma: Complex fragrance of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and dark espresso, with underlying crushed granite and floral notes of dusty rose petal and violets. Flavors: Rich, concentrated black and red fruit flavors are wide and deep. Sleek, silky tannins bring substantial weight to the mid-palate, topped with layers of cassis, graphite, roasted coffee and violets. Finish: The sweet tannins stride down the finish, bringing along black pepper, cigar box spice and a pronounced minerality. General: A dense, racy and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, perfect for a ribeye. Decanting is recommended."

Fun Fact: This classic Napa Valley Bordeaux- style Cabernet Sauvignon is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot is added to the blend for concentrated flavors and a touch of Malbec for further weight, complimented by silky Merlot and Cabernet Franc spice, just like they do in France. Our very wise and learned sommelier was just describing to us how adding the other grapes to the mix takes the depth and personality to a whole new level, giving the wine additional nuances that it would not have otherwise. Good to know...

Wired For Wine:  Parker's Antonio Galloni refers to this Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon as "gorgeous", and really, that's all we need to know.  If you need more, read on. We recommend that you decant your first bottle, and then fill the glasses so that they may seduce you with a platter of warm fritelle di Parmigiano, beignets of Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto.  Moving right along, the stunning balance, concentration and density of this Robert Craig pairs beautifully with meats ranging from beef and game to duck and salmon. What strikes your fancy? We love this Napa red with grilled, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, red wine jus and mushroom sauce. Oh alright; go ahead and sprinkle a little Gorgonzola on top while it's piping hot so that it melts a little...  Or, you could try Sicilian meatballs with pine nuts and raisins in tomato sauce. They will bring out the luscious, dark fruit and coffee nuances in this Affinity nicely. A little off the beaten path is sauteed salmon cooked with fennel and Pernod.  The sweet spices and licorice nuances of this Cabernet blend will come alive and you'll wonder why you don't have mid-weight Cabs with salmon more often... Pour another bottle to savor with a hard, nutty Gouda. By the end of the meal, everyone will have an Affinity for you!

Size:  750ml; cork
Varietal:   86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol:  14.3%
Aging:     17 months in Chateau-style French oak barrels, 60% new and 40% second year; unfiltered and unfined
Region:   Napa, California