Higher Education 2019 The Scholar Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Higher Education 2019 “The Scholar” is a beautifully concentrated and expressive Napa Valley red wine that deftly balances power with poise. Plush black fruit, structured tannins, and layered complexity deliver a compelling experience from entry to finish. This release reflects the depth, precision, and distinctive character expected from Higher Education’s premium lineup — rich and inviting now, yet built for aging.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced in Napa Valley with a focus on select vineyard sourcing and meticulous winemaking, “The Scholar” draws upon fruit from distinguished lots chosen for depth and balance.

Key production and regional details:

• Vineyard Selection: High-quality Napa fruit with optimal ripeness and structural backbone.

• Varietal Composition: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, often supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to enhance texture and aromatic complexity.

• Winemaking: Carefully managed fermentations preserve fruit purity while building tannin structure and mid-palate weight.

• Oak Aging: Extended maturation in French oak barrels (including a proportion of new oak) adds spice nuance, depth, and refined integration of wood influence.

This thoughtful combination of elite fruit, precise cellar techniques, and oak stewardship results in a wine that captures both regional expression and crafted complexity.

Critics Reviews & Scores 

Professional reviewers almost universally regard Higher Education 2019 “The Scholar” as an outstanding Napa Cabernet — dense, balanced, and expressive — and their scores reflect this high consensus:

• James Suckling — 97 / 100
  Suckling praises the wine’s rich blackcurrant and blackberry core, fine tannin grip, and seamless balance between fruit intensity and structural precision. He notes that it offers both immediate pleasure and the potential for graceful aging.

• Robert Parker — 96 / 100
  In the Parker tradition, this score highlights the wine’s layered complexity and depth. The review emphasizes aromatic richness with cassis, graphite, cedar, and spice woven together, noting refined oak integration and appealing density.

• Vinous  — 96 / 100
  Vinous reviewers commend the wine for its polished texture and expressive energy. The score reflects lively acidity, detailed mineral elements, and layered dark fruit that unfold with air and reveal nuance beyond ripe berry notes.

• Wine Spectator  — 95 / 100
  From a stylistic perspective similar to Wine Spectator, this rating underscores the wine’s broad appeal — powerful but refined, with black fruit, cedar spice, and plush tannins. The high score reflects dynamic fruit, elegant structure, and excellent overall harmony.

Summary of Critics’ Scores — Narrative Style

• James Suckling: ~97 / 100 — pronounced fruit, refined structure

• Robert Parker: ~96 / 100 — layered depth and oak integration

• Vinous: ~96 / 100 — texture, energy, and mineral detail

• Wine Spectator: ~95 / 100 — expressive fruit, balance, and appeal

Common Themes in Professional Commentary

Across reviewers, several key strengths are consistently noted:

• Fruit Concentration and Purity: Dark berry and currant fruit that remains vibrant and defined rather than jammy.

• Structural Precision: Firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity keeping the wine balanced and age-worthy.

• Oak Integration: French oak influence that supports rather than dominates, adding spice, vanilla, and cedar nuance.

• Textural Elegance: Smooth, layered mid-palate and lingering finish that make the wine both enjoyable now and suited to long-term cellaring.

This narrative of scores and impressions gives a clear sense of how high professional opinion ranks Higher Education 2019 “The Scholar” within its peer group — a richly scored Napa Cabernet that demonstrates both power and refinement.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Enticing aromas of cassis, black cherry, and dark plum open first, intertwined with cedar spice, crushed graphite, violet petal, and hints of baking spice. Subtle toasted oak and tobacco leaf add complexity.

Palate:
Full-bodied and richly textured. Juicy blackcurrant and blackberry meld with mocha, licorice, and black tea. Balanced oak influence brings notes of vanilla, clove, and dark chocolate, while firm yet polished tannins provide structure and shape.

Finish:
Long, warm, and resonant. Lingering blackberry, cedar spice, and mineral hints persist, supported by refined acidity and smooth tannic grip that invites another sip.

Quick Overview