2012 Futo, 5500 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 1x750ml

Vinous 97

Here in its first release, the 2012 5500 is fabulous. Silky and aromatic, the 2012 retains gorgeous freshness and tons of nuance to match. It is the freshest of the three 2012s and a total knock-out by any measure. Dense, powerful and a brooding powerhouse, the 5500 is far from an easygoing 2012. It will benefit from a bit of time in the cellar. [Antonio Galloni, 09/05/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2034

Robert Parker 99

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot bottled unfined and unfiltered after 18-20 months in oak. Futo practices long lees contact, five-day prefermentation cold soak and only one racking, which is when the barrels are racked directly into the tank prior to bottling. This is a stunning wine, and it was not easy to back off a perfect score, but maybe that will come with another several years of bottle age. The wine has profound intensity, amazing purity and clarity, an inky bluish/purple color, a stunning nose of spring flowers interwoven with creme de cassis, background charcoal, smoldering embers, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. It has an incredible lightness of being, despite its exceptional intensity and richness. This is an amazing wine and a great example of Stags Leap. It should drink well for 30+ years. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/10/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2045