Erikson & Caradin
Raptor & Crimson
Napa Valley
Non-vintage
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV
Where it is, July 2026
Approaching Peak: drinkable, but best years are ahead.
Erikson & Caradin describes Raptor & Crimson as a non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made to move beyond vintage variation. The winery's current page gives an opulent bouquet of blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, vanilla, cedar, and baking spice, followed by a rich, velvety palate. Fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity support a long finish of dark chocolate and tobacco, making the wine a polished, expressive Napa Cabernet in the producer's own account.
The NV Raptor & Crimson.
A non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet with ripe dark fruit, velvety texture, fine-grained tannin, and a long finish.
Drinking window
As Cellared editorial guidance: this drinking window is a calculated cellar recommendation, not a claim about the bottle's documented facts.
Tasting note
On the producer's current Raptor & Crimson page, Erikson & Caradin describes an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and cassis, with subtle vanilla, cedar, and baking spice. The palate is said to be rich and velvety, with blackcurrant, plum, and espresso layered over integrated oak and fine-grained tannins. The winery also identifies balanced acidity as the element that gives the wine freshness and vibrancy through a long finish, where dark chocolate and tobacco linger. This is a non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the winemaker describes the bottling as a wine conceived to work beyond the limits of a single vintage.
About Erikson & Caradin
Erikson & Caradin says its work is focused on Cabernet and Chardonnay that show the character of their individual places. The winery's original release was in 2013; it says it now makes eight designations while remaining craft-focused, with a maximum production of 50 barrels. Raptor & Crimson is the winery's current non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the producer credits Robert Smith as winemaker.
From the cellar: pair with
Grilled ribeye with black pepper
The wine's rich texture, fine-grained tannins, and dark-fruit profile can meet the char and richness of grilled beef.
Lamb chops with rosemary
Balanced acidity and cedar, baking spice, and tobacco notes give this Napa Cabernet enough lift for herb-scented lamb.
Mushroom and blackcurrant glazed duck
The producer's blackcurrant, plum, espresso, dark-chocolate, and tobacco notes provide a natural bridge to duck and a savoury mushroom garnish.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- Cellared editorial guidance: serve near 60 to 65°F, beginning with a small pour and adding brief air only if the wine seems closed.
- Decanting
- As Cellared editorial guidance: decant only after checking age, sediment, and bottle condition.
- Cellar Storage
- As Cellared editorial guidance: store in a dark, stable cellar away from temperature swings.
More from Napa Valley
Frequently Asked
Is Raptor & Crimson a vintage-dated wine?
No. Erikson & Caradin presents Raptor & Crimson as a non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and does not list a harvest year on its current product page.
How does Raptor & Crimson taste?
The producer describes blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, vanilla, cedar, and baking spice, followed by blackcurrant, plum, espresso, fine-grained tannins, and a long finish with dark chocolate and tobacco.
What is the texture of Raptor & Crimson?
Erikson & Caradin calls the wine rich and velvety, with integrated oak, fine-grained tannins, and balanced acidity that provides freshness and vibrancy.
Who makes Raptor & Crimson?
Erikson & Caradin makes this non-vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Its page identifies Robert Smith as the winemaker associated with the bottling.