One of Napa’s great historic wineries, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is probably best known for producing the Cabernet Sauvignon that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Founded in 1970, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars began with the founder purchasing a 44 acre property which was a prune orchard and replanted it to Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Merlot. Three years later Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars produced a S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2007 the winery was purchased by Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Antinori family.
Marcus Notaro has been at the winemaking helm since 2013. For the former winemaker at Col Solare, Marcus took this prime Napa position and has been crafting some excellent wines ever since. While at Col Solare he crafted some of the best wines that have come from that property. The new releases by Stag’s Leap were seriously good. The best wine that I have ever had from this property, the 2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ’S.L.V.’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) has a wonderful elegance alongside the incredible dense fruits. Nearly as good was the 2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘FAY’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which is dense, layered and downright delicious. Learn more about this fantastic historic estate at https://www.cask23.com/ Here are the great new releases by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Artemis’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Artemis’ shows good Cabernet character both aromatically and on the palate. Mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromas delight in the glass. This takes on a soft texture as the wine has already evolved quite nicely. Medium to full bodied flavors of mocha, blackberry jam, sage and cassis all impress on the palate. Enjoy this excellent wine over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 91
2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ’S.L.V.’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘SLV’ by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is an incredible new release that is amongst the best that I’ve had from this storied estate. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged in 95% French oak for 21 months prior to bottling. Upon arousal the seductive nose shows beautiful sandalwood, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromas. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine is simply fabulous. Flavors of blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler, mocha and anise impress. Delicious now this is Cabernet Sauvignon that will have a long life. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘FAY’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘FAY’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a seductive and dense bottling by the talented Marcus Notaro. This Cabernet was aged for 22 months in 89% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine opens with dense aromas of mocha anise amd black tea and mocha the palate shows. Really good elegance with creme de cassis mocha and Turkish coffee. This is delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that will have a long life in the cellar. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2019-2040- 94