
“A polished, mineral laden style.” — Jeannie Cho Lee MW
Reflecting its rocky volcanic hillside origins, the FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is massively scaled but retains superb purity and energy. A timeless wine that resonates with refinement.
True to its hillside origin, the 2019 FUTO 5500 is strikingly pure and rich. Crème de cassis, black cherry, licorice accents, and subtle toast fuse with sweet fine tannin. Background layers of candied violets and dark chocolate build with more time in the glass. The arrangement of multilayered textures, and surreal lightness builds upon a base of freshness and distinctive minerality.
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot
330 cases bottled April 2021
Comprised of the three quarry parcels at the 5500 vineyard, this wine perfectly captures this epic site. Dazzling aromatics of purple florals, crème de cassis, and white rock shimmer with perfect clarity. The palate has a powerful, layered, symphonic feel and is packed with rich red-plum, black-cherry, and complex savory accents. The long finish is seamless, profoundly pure and perfectly balanced.
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
447 cases bottled July 2020
A wine of purity displaying a sense of place, the 2017 FUTO 5500 is all about finesse and power. A deep ruby-purple color with aromas of black cherry, violets, tar and smoky minerals. The palate unfolds layer upon layer revealing pure red and blue fruits, complexed with a mineral freshness that runs through the core of the wine. The ample concentration and structure of the wine is pixilated intro a thrilling fabric of fruit and perfume.
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot
387 cases bottled May 2019
The Rose oil, Raspberry preserve and host of spring floral aromatics are immediate in expression. Full bodied, very dense, while also lifting into a weightless beam of fresh powdery tannin. The 2016 is unique in the way it seems to constantly change and evolve in the glass between its perfumed, and ample red fruit, and pie crust layering. The mineral core, a signature of the vineyard, frames the palate staining finish.
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
457 cases bottled June 2018
The 2015 FUTO 5500 is a true testament to this rocky hillside site. Candied violet, raspberry, rose buds, and hints of spice aromatics light up the glass. On the palate an amalgam of mixed berries, lavender, and mineral freshness complex through the core of the wine. While the tannin has density and depth, it’s also kind of suede like in its effortless flow and length. The finish ripples with purity, flavor, and freshness.
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot
308 cases bottled June 2017
The 2014 FUTO 5500 is as clear as a bell. Vivid aromatics of cherry blossom, raspberry and currents, and a beguiling note of alpine herbs combine in a plush yet dense center. In addition to all this freshness is an almost glaze-like layer that provides an explosive backdrop to the contoured finish. The power, purity, and personality of this vintage will provide a thrill ride young or old.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
405 cases bottled May 2016
The unique season in 2013 amplified the site-specific characters of the 5500 Estate. Candied cherry, pomegranate, kirsch, crushed rose petal and violet overtones give a tremendous inner sweetness and captivating perfume. But with the smaller berries of this season, the weight and depth of flavor and structure reach another dimension. The pitch perfect ripeness, combined with an almost mist like coolness will be exciting to watch unfurl over its long life.
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
376 cases bottled May 2015
An opulent wine with saturated purple color. Pure aromas of black cassis, kirsch, mulberry and violets. A wine of great intensity and presence, but freshness and precision. The oak is nearly all concealed by the fruit which is penetrating and supported by powdery tannins and perfect acidic tension. The finish is complex with an added mineral stain leaving no doubt this wine has the reserves to age for decades.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot
411 cases bottled May 2014