Wine Acclaim

This seamless blend of oak spices, cherry-plum fruitiness and silky tannins makes for an irresistible wine. A Napa classic and collectible, it is big and mouthfilling but so well polished that it's tempting to drink young.

December 31, 2023

Sporting a deep purple hue to go with a brilliant bouquet of pure blue fruits as well as violets, lead pencil shavings, and chocolaty nuances. Concentrated, powerful, and full-bodied on the palate, it's a structured, tannic wine delivering ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, perfectly integrated oak, and one heck of a finish.

February 16, 2023

From a site planted in 1970 at the famous estate, this wine has beautiful perfume on the nose, and a supple yet firm structure. Dusty plum, dried herb and clove spice are interwoven between tangy cassis and notes of crushed rock.

December 01, 2022

Ripe and forward in feel, with lots of seductive plum sauce and blackberry compote flavors leading the way, backed by bittersweet cocoa and alder accents. Nice flash of savory underneath gives this energy, range and lift through the finish. And despite the flattering showing, this has ample fine-grained structure for cellaring.

October 05, 2022

Blackberry concentrate, tapenade, sandalwood and spices, together with a lift of violets, oyster shell and graphite to the nose. Very concentrated and plush on the palate, with a full body and plenty of fine, resolved tannins clinging to the dark fruit.

September 21, 2022

The wine is a terrific example of this cuvée, offering tantalizing floral aromas set against a backdrop of ripe cherries and black cherries. It's medium to full-bodied, intense, rich and ripe, yet still silky and elegant, with a vibrant, mouthwatering finish.

September 15, 2022

2019 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon leaps with gregarious notes of warm cassis, black cherry compote and black raspberries, plus hints of rose oil, black pepper and underbrush, with touches of pencil lead and iron ore... the palate features a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness... (Barrel sample.)

November 30, 2021

It's medium to full-bodied, supple, silky and elegant yet still possesses enough richness to evolve for the next two decades. From the stunning, slightly lifted aromas of violets, cherries and cassis, to the long, dusty finish, this exudes class all the way.

September 15, 2022

... Juicy, bright and effusive, it offers a lightness of spice, well-integrated oak and a cohesive, silky texture. Structured, it shows dark-berry fruit, a hint of crushed rock and fig, expansive and joyful on the palate.

May 01, 2022

Delivers a lot to like, with a violet thread amid a mix of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry puree flavors, all stitched with light alder, singed vanilla and tobacco notes. Features very light iron and cassis bush notes that curl around the finish, adding subtle tension to the seductive, friendly fruit. Very suave.

December 15, 2021

February 26, 2021

This has a fresh, fruity nose of blackberries, small black cherries, mahogany, anise and crushed hazelnuts. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, silky texture. Seamlessly smooth, ripe tannins accompany velvety layers of ripe blue and black fruit. Wonderful now or in years to come. Better in 2023.

January 23, 2021

A 100% varietal wine from the best lots of two of the producer’s prized sites, Fay and S.L.V., this wine is richly expansive in red fruit, balanced by bright acidity and lengthy structure. Clove, black pepper, black olive and a dash of dark chocolate mingle on the palate. Best from 2027–2037. Cellar Selection. —V.B.

December 01, 2020

The tannins are rich, the aroma smoky, but the bright liveliness of the fruit—the persimmon, the cherry and the fresh cigar tobacco—are the elements that shine through. Youthful and unevolved, this wine is an investment in the future, with patient cellaring required. —J.G. (2,500 cases)

October 01, 2020
"Year's Best US Cabernet/Blends", December 01, 2020

Violet, cassis and blackberry puree notes form the bulk of this wine, while dashes of singed cedar and briar chime in throughout, with a tug of sweet earth at the very end. Still rather coiled up, so let this unwind with cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2035. —J.M.

September 02, 2020

October 31, 2019

Well-detailed, with a deep, solidly built core of currant, blackberry, bramble and apple wood notes, showing good energy through the richly layered finish. Youthful, but slowly takes on a more seductive feel as this airs in the glass.

April 30, 2020

Shows extremely complex aromas of blackberries and currants with pine needles and black olives. Subtle, yet complete on the nose. Full body, extremely fine tannins and good balance. Very long and caressing on the finish. Goes on for a long time. Better after 2021.

February 14, 2020

This gorgeous wine combines the best of two historic vineyards—Fay and S.L.V.—into one cohesive, refined whole. A soft entry of woody spice and toasted oak leads the way to an expansive midpalate of currant, crushed rock, dried herb and elegant tannins begging for further time in the bottle.

December 01, 2019

Well-detailed, with a deep, solidly built core of currant, blackberry, bramble and apple wood notes, showing good energy through the richly layered finish. Youthful, but slowly takes on a more seductive feel as this airs in the glass. Best from 2022 through 2035. From California. —J.M.

November 27, 2019

This is Marcus Notaro’s top selection from SLWC’s two estate vineyards, the rockier hillsides of SLV and the alluvial wash at Fay. It’s a powerful 2016 that sustains a brisk sense of freshness. Plump and floral, with a gentle intensity, its flavors come on with the continuous flow of an infinity pool.
October 01, 2019

"Year's Best US Cabernet/Blends", December 01, 2019

Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a very firm frame of super ripe tannins supporting the multilayered flavors, finishing on an epically long, lingering fragrant earth note. Beautiful.

October 29, 2018

This 100% varietal, estate-grown wine is earthy and brimming in vanilla, anise and cedar. Classic in style and approach, it offers a complex concentration of balanced fruit and savory components that accent substantial tannins. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 brings together the darker flavor profile and depth of the S.L.V. with the grace of the Fay, a pretty terrific combination in my book. Like all of these wines, the Cask 23 is decidedly understated in this vintage, and yet all the elements come together effortlessly.

December 14, 2018

This features a very seductive feel, with long streaks of blueberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit showing range and freshness. Graphite and gently singed alder notes support the finish, with a backdrop of anise and vanilla hanging quietly in reserve. Displays polish, detail and length. Best from 2021 through 2040.

November 07, 2018

Notaro’s 2015 leaves a textural impressions of silk and velvet, its plush fruit dark in tone and not yet expressive, hinting at earthiness in its cellar scents. Full, smoky and black, this will need a decade or more to fully show itself.

October 01, 2018

Inky purple-black in color, CASK (a barrel sample) has a crème de cassis, blueberry compote and licorice-scented nose with hints of bay leaves, spice box and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied, it offers lovely restraint with elegant black fruits and earthy layers plus fine-grained tannins and a wonderfully long, minerally finish.

December 29, 2017

A 100% varietal and estate-grown wine from the site made famous in the Paris Tasting, this offers yeasty brioche aromas that lead to crisp expansive flavors of cassis and red currant. The oak is supportive and integrated, adding to the wine's overall earthiness of dried herb and clove, lasting and juicy on the finish.

June 01, 2018

Fay, with its alluvial soils, provides 44 percent of the blend in 2014; the balance comes from S.L.V., where the vines rise higher up the eastern bench of Stag’s Leap, rooted in the crush of volcanic rock that has washed down off the palisades.
February 01, 2018

"Top 100 Wines of 2018", December 01, 2018

Deftly balanced, creamy and smooth-textured, with an elegant array of red and dark berry, anise, cedar and mocha flavors, ending with fine-grained tannins and a splash of mocha. Drink now through 2032.—J.L.

November 15, 2017

Glorious aromas of blacberries and blackcurrants follow through to a full body, ultra-fine tannins and an alluring finish. It shows such polish and verve. Try it in 2020, but it's already a show to taste. Shows the pedigree.

January 26, 2017

The 2014s are not yet in bottle. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 Estate-Grown is a big-time winner with great fruit, terrific texture, full body, sensational purity and plenty of blue and black fruits interwoven.

December 30, 2016

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 ratchets up the level of complexity, richness and density. Magnificent floral notes intermix with blueberry, blackberry and cassis, and there is no hint of new oak. Kudos to Stags Leap Wine Cellars.

December 30, 2016

It's a wine with forward motion, what senior editor Luke Sykora described as "a torrent of fruit in the middle propulsive fruit that pushes the oak to the side." The lasting impression is savory and bright, a wine that looks up to the future, one that will live long among the greats of the 2013 vintage in Napa Valley.

December 01, 2016

Showing a harmonious presentation of spicy oak and rich berry, this is elegant and refined. Slow to uncoil, revealing subtle flavor nuances of earth, herb, currant, olive and underbrush. –JL

November 15, 2016

Violets, lavender, mint, cloves, graphite and dark spice are some of the signatures in a Cabernet that achieves a compelling balance of power, finesse and overall intensity.

October 01, 2015

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 reveals more oak on the nose, but is a much deeper, richer, fuller wine than the S.L.V. Dense ruby/purple to the rim, beautiful blackberry and cassis fruit, cedar wood, toast and earth jump from the glass. Full-bodied and layered, but with nothing out of balance.

December 31, 2015

Thick and dense, with managed tannins and a nest of oak, this marquee wine offers classic insight into the Napa Valley. It’s weighty and somewhat smoky, with a lurking sense of minerality and balance. A powerful grip gives way on the lengthy finish to satisfying end notes of coffee and toffee.

December 01, 2015

Deftly balanced and well-proportioned, exhibiting a mix of complex currant, blackberry, black licorice and dried herb flavors. Ends impressively, with a subtle, expansive aftertaste that probes the nuances of Cabernet.

November 15, 2015

Vinous Media – Antonio Galloni – December 2014 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2012 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon – 91 points

Lovely inner-mouth energy and lift here; nothing heavy or sweet about this wine. Finishes with very smooth tannins and subtle floral/earthy persistence and lift. This very subtle, laid-back wine is at the beginning of its peak drinking plane. Really dances on the palate.

May 26, 2020

Bright ruby-red, the most saturated of these 2009 cabernets.  Good floral and herbal lift to the aromas of currant, black cherry, soil and underbrush.  A step up in pliancy of texture and depth, with good vinosity giving shape to the middle palate.  Finishes with rather suave tannins, a whiff of herbs and sneaky persistence....

June 01, 2012

A nose of warm red and black plums, blackcurrant jelly, blueberry preserves and dried Provence herbs with suggestions of cedar chest, underbrush and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the herb-laced black fruit fills the mouth, marked by a refreshing line and finely grained tannins, finishing with a compelling mineral edge.

August 31, 2018

Aromas of ripe black and blue fruit with hints of toast, ground spices, cherry chocolate and walnut. Full-bodied, spiced and toasty with firm, compact and long-lasting tannins. It has a bed of dark fruit flavors with dark spices and earthy undertones and a lingering, velvety finish.

Delivers plum, black cherry and blackberry notes, which meld steadily with flashes of loam, roasted vanilla and licorice root along the way. Shows savory and earth echoes through the finish, which reveals a hint of grain.

September 01, 2023

Complex and mouthwatering, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. offers up scents of violets, cassis and black cherries, plus hints of star anise and cinnamon. It's medium to full-bodied, rich and intense, yet elegant and fine, with a long, juicy finish. (Barrel Sample)

September 15, 2022

Pure crème de cassis, violets, and lead pencil shaving nuances emerge from this wine, a concentrated, structured, almost austere 2019 that has terrific balance as well as a great mid-palate. Possessing youthful tannins and remarkable purity of fruit, this ultra-classic, flawlessly put together Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

February 16, 2023

Ripe but sleek, showing blackberry and red currant pâte de fruit notes that work well together, laced with licorice snap and backed by tugs of warm earth and roasted alder on the finish.

December 31, 2022

From a site planted in 1970 at the famous estate, this wine has beautiful perfume on the nose, and a supple yet firm structure. Dusty plum, dried herb and clove spice are interwoven between tangy cassis and notes of crushed rock.

December 01, 2022

December 01, 2022

Deep yet floral nose with pure cassis, blackberry and blueberry concentrate, as well as hints of sandalwood and pine. Quite ample on the palate, laden with velvety tannins in a mealy form. Rich and primary, yet juicy and supple. Densely packed.

September 21, 2022

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. features perfumed aromas of violets and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, nicely elegant while being powerful and sturdy at the same time. No, it's not made in a modern, blockbuster style, but it's true to its heritage, with subtle herb shadings and a long, silky finish.

September 15, 2022

... 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. explodes with profound black berry pie, crème de cassis and mulberries scents, plus hints of cumin seed, cardamom and clove oil and a touch of forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a firm and grainy texture in the mouth supporting the tightly knit black fruits... (Barrel sample.)

November 30, 2021

The nose offers scents of cassis, black cherries, star anise, cocoa and pencil shavings, while the medium to full-bodied palate adds dark, loamy notes. It's medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration and some dusty, dry tannins on the mocha-tinged finish.

September 15, 2022

Polished and open at first, showing a fan-friendly set of creamed plum and warmed cassis flavors, laced with melted licorice and sweet toast accents. Features alder and warm earth hints that check in on the finish, adding extra range and length while giving the fruit a grounded feel in the end. Very solidly built...

December 08, 2021

Another outstanding vintage for this vineyard-designate standout from the famously historic producer, the estate grown wine is herbal and elegantly fruity in dark cherry, dried herb and cocoa dust. An earthy under current of dusty tannin and toasted oak add contours of savory complexity...

December 01, 2021

This is one of the best SLVs I have tasted with total balance and structure that highlights what was possible in 2018. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and poised, with layer upon layer of fine tannins that give depth and beauty to this young red. Blackcurrant, blueberry and floral flavors.

June 15, 2021

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V., a barrel sample, reveals a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notions of blackberry preserves, black cherry coulis and warm cassis with suggestions of eucalyptus, dark chocolate, lavender and tobacco leaf.

February 26, 2021

This leads with blackcurrants, stewed blackberries, eucalyptus and cloves. Some dried violets, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Very well integrated. Lovely ripe fruit and sweet spices on the finish. Delicious. Drink or hold.

December 23, 2020

From the producer’s first site that was planted in 1970, this wine is sumptuous in blackberry, fig and dark chocolate. A bright wisp of cassis shines on the midpalate, enlivening the bold, supple texture. Underlying layers of crushed rock and iron provide a welcome and intriguing minerality that highlights the finish.

December 01, 2020

The rocky hillside soils of S.L.V. produced a dark and savory cabernet in 2017, with peppery intensity that feels driven by alcohol at first. Then, as it settles and integrates, the alcohol becomes part of the dynamic whole, layered into the tannins to highlight their dark-chocolate succulence.

October 01, 2020

The rocky hillside soils of S.L.V. produced a dark and savory cabernet in 2017, with peppery intensity that feels driven by alcohol at first. Then, as it settles and integrates, the alcohol becomes part of the dynamic whole, layered into the tannins to highlight their dark-chocolate succulence.

October 01, 2020

Compact, with a juicy core of blackberry and black currant fruit waiting to unwind. When it does, this will have lively licorice snap and singed apple wood notes. There's a subtle violet hint in the background to add some grace, but this has a nice sense of power overall. Best from 2021 through 2032. —J.M.

September 02, 2020

October 31, 2019

This is really fine-textured and alluring on the palate with super polished tannins and gloriously subtle and complex fruit, such as currants and spices. Some pine needles, too. Love the silky texture and beautiful flavors at the end. Drink or hold.

February 14, 2020

Features a well-focused beam of red and black currant coulis running through, laced with light savory, anise and singed cedar notes. Everything pulls together through the finish, showing a sense of finesse to match the power. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.

December 04, 2019

Graphite, flint and toasted oak accent a core of brawny, concentrated black fruit in this estate red. Clove, black currant, cigar box and firm, structured tannins contribute to the classic nature of this well-made wine.

December 01, 2019

There’s a cool, zesty feel to this vintage of SLV, the wine’s black fruit accented by notes of bergamot, basil and mint. The alcohol comes across as richness, completely integrated into the dark fruit, the wine soft but firm in its dark-chocolate tannins.
October 01, 2019

Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals incredibly provocative and complex layers of black fruits and earthy notions, supported by a rock-solid, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.

October 29, 2018

This is an estate grown, 100% varietal wine that showcases a soft, broad experience that’s approachably rich and well balanced. Perfumed in cherry, cassis, and vanilla, it has a subtle, savory character on the midpalate of dense smoky oak and firm structure. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. packs a serious punch. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, lavender and spice all meld together. There is good depth to the fruit, albeit in a more mid-weight style than is the norm, but that can't fully compensate for aggressive tannins and a sense of roughness that clearly runs through the wine.

December 14, 2018

Juicy and vibrant in feel, featuring a mix of blueberry, raspberry and red currant fruit flavors that play well with the light graphite, bergamot and floral nuances. The solid backdrop of roasted apple wood is well-integrated. Best from 2020 through 2035.—J.M.

November 07, 2018

Plump, earthy and rich, this is a generous vintage from the rocky soils that have washed down the hill above S.L.V. Oak plays a major role in the scents and the tannins at this stage in the wine’s development, but a firm presence of earthy, cherry-scented fruit rises up through the smokiness and leaves a clean sense of ripeness.

October 01, 2018

A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 S. L. V. offers up aromas of pepper, spice box, lavender and potpourri with mulberries, black cherries and black berries at the core, plus plum preserves and bay leaves hints. Medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins, the palate is firm and earthy with a long.

December 29, 2017

Estate-grown, this wine is juicy and expansive, with an approachability that makes it instantly pleasing on the palate. Black currant, graphite and dark-chocolate flavors meet brushy dried herb and toasted oak, integrating into a lengthy finish.

June 01, 2018

The rocky soils at the Stag’s Leap Vineyard produced a 2014 cabernet with fresh cut to its rich black fruit. Oak dominates the wine until air begins to bring out the detail, taking it toward vinous scents, along with notes of conifer and eucalyptus that add to the breezy freshness. For the cellar. (3,000 cases)

February 01, 2018

Presents a harmonious mix of supple dark berry, licorice, spice, cedar, mocha and gravelly earth notes, maintaining a persistent push on the finish, where the flavors are delicate. Best from 2020 through 2030. 3,000 cases made. –JL

October 17, 2017

The 2014s are not yet in bottle. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. Estate-Grown has a dense purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis, licorice and spring flowers. It is full-bodied, opulent and not far off the high standard achieved by the 2013.

December 30, 2016

Opulent, with fabulous texture, a dense purple color, great blueberry and blackcurrant fruit with spice and flowers, this is sexy Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink beautifully for another 20 years or more. The balance is sensational.

December 30, 2016

A panelist noted the wine's red fruit character as well as an edge of greenness. In this case, that evergreen edge has a distinctly California connotation, a foresty scent of the hills above the Stag's Leap vineyard. There's a significant presence of oak, in the polish of the tannins and the dark scent of cocoa nibs...

December 01, 2016

Here, too, there is plenty of opulence, but the S.L.V. also offers a striking dimension of mineral and savory notes to balance things out.

October 01, 2015

S.L.V. has the density of flavor to completely absorb the oak and its tannins, transforming that espresso roast scent into layers of dark and savory flavors of fresh black fruit. Even as the flavor is saturated and the texture supple, it feels airy and seamless, a wine of finesse and elegance rather than weight.

December 01, 2016

The 2012 S.L.V. is a paragon of elegance and finesse, yet doesn't cheat the taster on flavor. Dense ruby/purple with round, juicy, earthy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, underbrush and forest floor, the wine is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, soft, seductive and round. This is a lovely, juicy, pure style of wine.

December 31, 2015

This estate-grown wine honors the historical vineyard that brought the Napa Valley worldwide attention for Cabernet. It offers both complexity and elegance, as well as an herbal underbrush.

December 01, 2015

Offers a dusty, savory, loamy mix of dried berry, herb, underbrush and dark berry flavors, ending with a long, focused finish and layers of complexity.

November 15, 2015

Vinous Media – Antonio Galloni

December 01, 2014

This starts off quiet, a cabernet in a claret mode, like an off vintage from a great terroir in Bordeaux. It bristles with acidity, tight and firm, developing richness to balance that cool cranberry flavor as it takes on air. The supple, chocolate-cherry tannins gain dimension, predicting a long and rewarding cellar life ahead.

February 01, 2014

The finesse of Stags Leap District tannins is at the center of this wine, buoying pure cherry fruit from the initial scent through to a lasting finish. This firm and vinous, with a depth and breadth that makes it a strong candidate for cellaring ten years or more. A graceful vintage of S.L.V.

February 01, 2013

September 01, 2023

Aromas of crushed blackcurrants and cocoa-dusted black cherries with purple flowers and chocolate undertones. Full body. Broad and opulent with compact, plush and well-integrated tannins. Attractive succulence and finesse with a firm, lingering finish and notes of bitter spices and violets to close.

March 01, 2023

The 2020 Fay Vineyard features delicate, tea-like leafy notes and florals, plus cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied yet silky, fine and elegant, especially given the increase in power over 2018 and 2019 vintages. The long, softly dusty finish epitomizes the elegance this vineyard routinely achieves. (Barrel Sample)

September 15, 2022

Just about pure perfection, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay reveals a vivid purple hue as well as spectacular aromatics of blueberries, black cherries, sappy herbs, and tobacco. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with a great mid-palate and building tannins, it’s another utterly classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon [...]

February 16, 2023

There’s something so alluring and enticing about the Fay, named for Nathan Fay, who first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in what is now Stags Leap District back in 1961. It shows old-school dust, clove and graphite, with secondary hints of violet, sage and tree bark.

December 01, 2022

December 01, 2022

Packed with bramble, blackberry and black currant pâte de fruit notes, this has good energy, while lacings of licorice and mocha fill out the finish. Lots of immediate appeal here, but there's no rush.

October 05, 2022

Concentrated, with lots of black and purple fruit and crushed violets. Broodingly dark and youthful at this stage, but remains elegant. Fleshy, dense and full-bodied with a mouthful of finely polished tannins that dissipate into the black fruit. Silky, opulent texture here, with fresh, medium acidity.

September 21, 2022

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard offers a perfumed nose marked by delicate purple raspberry notes and a touch more herbal, tea-like nuances than the 2018. It's medium to full-bodied in the mouth but delicate and elegant, with a long, silky finish.

September 15, 2022

... Deep purple-black colored, it is a little closed to begin, offering subtle notes of redcurrant jelly, fresh black berries and blackcurrant pastilles with wafts of wild sage and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, bright and energetic, the palate offers tons of crunchy black and red berry layers... (Barrel Sample)

November 30, 2021

2018 Fay Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Despite being aged exclusively in new French oak, the nose shows only hints of pencil shavings and vanilla, with the primary aromas being violets, redcurrants and cherries. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, silky, fine and elegant, with a long, gently oaky finish.

September 15, 2022

From the famous site that kicked off a revolution in Napa Cabernet, this wine is aromatic in cedar, earth and sage. Robust and generously concentrated in berry, cherry and cassis, it is complex, structured and velvety smooth, the tannins supple and supportive, unfurling slowly in the glass.

May 01, 2022

Very stylish, with a fine-grained alder and cedar backdrop that lets creamed plum, cassis and cherry reduction notes glide through unencumbered. Offers subtle savory, mineral and anise details that peek in throughout, with latent depth through the finish...

December 08, 2021

Very floral with violets and roses, as well as sweet berries, cherries and some redcurrants. It’s round and refined with lovely berry character and fine tannins. So attractive now, but better in two or three years.

June 15, 2021

A barrel sample, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and vibrant scents of freshly crushed red and black currants, fresh black berries and wild blueberries plus hints of cardamom, lavender, black olives and fertile loam.

February 04, 2021

An aromatic red with currants and blackberries, as well as roses, following through to a full body with round tannins and a savory finish. Hard not to drink now, but better in 2021.

December 23, 2020

From the historic site where Stag’s Leap first began, this is nearly 100% varietal, with just 1.5% Cabernet Franc. It delivers a lifted, floral character dipped in tangy red fruit. The tannins are pillowy and supple, with a structure will last. Enjoy from 2027–2037. Cellar Selection. —V.B.

December 01, 2020

From the historic site where Stag’s Leap first began, this is nearly 100% varietal, with just 1.5% Cabernet Franc. It delivers a lifted, floral character dipped in tangy red fruit. The tannins are pillowy and supple, with a structure will last. Enjoy from 2027–2037. Cellar Selection. —V.B.

December 01, 2020

Nicely vivid, with a racy beam of cassis and blackberry purees running through, with light alder, bay, mineral and iron notes along the edges. Stays very focused through the streamlined finish. Elegant, especially in this vintage. Drink now through 2032. —J.M.

September 02, 2020

October 31, 2019

Red currant and plum puree flavors stream through, with well-focused structure underneath keeping this moving along as savory, floral and mineral hints kick in on the finish. Very stylish. Drink now through 2035. 3,750 cases made. –JM

March 31, 2020

A fruity red with a lovely balance of currant and dark-berry character to the nose and palate. Medium to full body, medium tannins and a balanced, fruity finish. Drink in 2021.

February 14, 2020

Red currant and plum puree flavors stream through, with well-focused structure underneath keeping this moving along as savory, floral and mineral hints kick in on the finish. Very stylish. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.

December 04, 2019

Soft, rounded red fruit marks the juicy midpalate of this beautifully made wine that is appealing in its robust weight and power. With tamed tannins, it offers a mix of black cherry, dried herb, graphite and crushed rock around a length of supportive oak. —V.B.

December 01, 2019

Giving way to earth-laced blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with energetic black fruits and savory layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and background freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

October 29, 2018

An herbal imprint permeates across this wine—a bright expression of the grape that’s earthy and lingering in tobacco, cigar box and pencil shavings. Clove, currant and sage play prominent roles across a landscape of full-bodied balance and complexity. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay is sensual, silky and polished, with lovely fruit purity to match its mid-weight personality. Although the Fay is less exuberant than the S.L.V, it offers better balance and a more harmonious expression of Stags Leap. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, cedar and dried flowers are nicely lifted throughout.

December 14, 2018

Fresh, with racy streaks of violet and anise running alongside the pure blueberry, raspberry and cassis flavors. Offers a polished feel through the finish, showing savory-tinged energy and detail, not just sheen. A lovely expression of Cabernet. Best from 2020 through 2035.—J.M.

November 07, 2018

A barrel sample, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color with an earthy/herbal nose of black cherry and blackberry notions plus scents of incense, dusty earth and menthol. Full-bodied, rich and very earthy in the mouth, it offers plush tannins and a long, layered finish.

December 29, 2017

Pure, rich and graceful, offering a mix of elegant dark berry, loamy earth, graphite, cedar and currant notes, with the fruit flavors gaining depth and dimension on the long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2029. 4,600 cases made. –JL

November 15, 2018

Grippy in tannin, this wine has a substantial weight on the palate that resolves in the glass to highlight flavors of black currant, clove and dried herb. Thick and rich, it has secondary characteristics of tobacco and earthy compost that accentuate its overall savory nature.

June 01, 2018

Lots of chocolate, wet-stone and currant aromas follow through to a full body that is tight and reined in. Very silky tannins that remain plush and enticing. Try in 2021.

January 26, 2017

The 2014s are not yet in bottle. As for the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Estate-Grown, this has a similar saturated purple color, terrific presence on the palate, great ripeness, loads of minerality, floral notes and beautifully pure blackcurrant liqueur intermixed with licorice and spice.

December 30, 2016

Beautiful blackcurrant, floral-infused fruit jumps from the glass of this dense ruby/purple wine. There are some loamy underpinnings of soil, but the wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully fruited, with great texture, and terrific purity and personality.

December 30, 2016

This wine's delicate scents of strawberry and darker purple-fruit flavors are completely surrounded by oak now, layered into the dark tannins of the vintage.

December 01, 2016

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard boasts loads of black cherry and black raspberry fruit, a floral characteristic common to this terroir, a beautiful deep ruby/purple color, sweet tannin and a dramatic, lush, Margaux-like finish.

December 31, 2015

Impressive, with a rich, juicy core of black currant, blackberry, dusty earth and savory underbrush, giving this an expansive, well-focused range of flavors. Persistent overall, with ripe, tobacco-scented tannins.

November 15, 2015

October 01, 2015

A flinty, earthy layer of black truffle and coffee open the aromatic profile of the wine before offering bold, brawny flavors of leather and black currant. The oak is well integrated and the tannins sizable yet behaved. This is a beautiful wine.

June 01, 2015

Notes of smoke, dried herb, toasty oak and savory are woven into the mix of dark berry flavors, firming on the finish and ending on the dry side.

February 01, 2014

This 100% Cabernet is the winery's best amongst their new releases. It'€™s rich and ripe with blackberries and cherries, along with lots of new French oak. It’s also very tannic, but the wine isn’t likely to improve in the long haul, so enjoy it now and over the next few years.

February 01, 2014

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Fay stands out for its delineation and nuance. Sweet floral notes meld into plums, menthol black cherries, violets and tar. With time in the glass, the wine fleshes out beautifully. Today the tannins are firm, but once they soften the fruit should begin to emerge more fully.

December 01, 2012

Juicy and open in feel, with plum compote, red licorice and singed vanilla notes holding sway. Reveals a nice flicker of black tea and spices through the friendly finish.

May 01, 2023

This plush, delicious and fruit-drenched wine pairs wonderful black fruit nuances of crème de cassis and black cherries with subtle, layered oak spices of new leather, tobacco and graphite, while a creamy texture makes the texture almost irresistible.

April 01, 2023

The deep purple-hued 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis (there’s 1% Merlot in the blend) is classy stuff, offering ample plum and blackberry-like fruits, some scorched earth and tobacco, medium to full body, good mid-palate density, and ripe yet firm tannins. It’s incredibly well done in the vintage.

February 16, 2023

The violet lift to the nose is knitting well with the ripe blackberries, chocolate and sweet spices. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, with dense yet creamy tannins adhering to the dark fruit. Fleshy and polished, with a pretty finish. A solid effort for the vintage.

September 21, 2022

A terrific, well-priced Napa Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis has a great nose of pure cassis fruits as well as tobacco, spring flowers, and a touch wet stone and graphite. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a good sense of elegance and ripe tannins. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years.

May 04, 2022

Cassis, dried blueberries, violets, ink, graphite, dried leaves and cigar box on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Smooth and supple with excellent balance and length.

December 07, 2021

... Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs forth with notes of black raspberries, redcurrant jelly and fresh blackberries, plus hints of dried mint, damp soil and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate gives up tons of juicy black and red berry flavors with great freshness and sturdy, grainy tannins, finishing earthy.

November 30, 2021

... Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out of the glass with bold notes of baked plums, boysenberries and warm cassis, plus hints of spice box and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, lively and with crunchy black fruits and herbal accents, the uncomplicated flavors are framed by soft tannins, finishing savory.

November 30, 2021

Well-built, with a focused core of red and black currant fruit, mixed with dark earth, sweet tobacco and singed vanilla notes. Drink now through 2028. 96,000 cases made.

June 30, 2021

A chewy red with blackberry, blackcurrant and dark-chocolate character. Full-bodied with polished tannins and a savory finish.

June 15, 2021

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a very pretty wine that shows just how alluring the vintage is. Open-knit and silky, Artemis is so inviting today. Crushed flowers, hints of spice, leather, cedar and tobacco add attractive layers of nuance to this mid-weight, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

February 01, 2021

Always a solid value in Napa Cabernet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis has a varietal nose of darker currants and subtle blue fruits as well as green tobacco, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, and cedarwood.

January 27, 2021

From a blend of beautiful sites across the valley, including Arcadia Vineyard in Coombsville and Rancho Chimiles in Wooden Valley, as well as small amounts of grapes from S.L.V. and Fay, this wine is inviting in dense aromas of red fruit, caramel and brioche.

December 01, 2020

Plum, mocha and turned earth highlight the palate of this robust, full-bodied and powerfully broad red wine, tense in firm tannin and a cradling of toasted oak. The acidity helps to balance its heft, leaving a note of lasting freshness on the spicy finish. —V.B.

May 01, 2020

This is a pan–Napa Valley blend with only one percent coming from SLWC’s estate vineyards, but Marcus Notaro managed to fashion the wine so the tannins parallel the dark-chocolate-ganache character of fine Stags Leap District cabernet.

October 01, 2019

Ripe blackberries, black cherries, spice, and a beautiful floral quality all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. With some creamy oak, sweet tannins, and good purity, it’s a pleasure-bent red to drink over the coming 10-15 years.

February 05, 2019

Very attractive, violet-like floral character with fresh, leafy notes and upbeat blackcurrants in this opulent cab. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a gorgeously long finish. Drink or hold.

November 19, 2018

Deep purple black in color, it opens with notions of crushed black cherries, warm blackberries and mulberries with hints of unsmoked cigars, fragrant soil and wild sage. It fills the palate with expressive black berry and earthy layers with a frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.

October 29, 2018

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the Artemis (a barrel sample) is a deep garnet-purple color with a lovely nose of pure cassis and blackberries with earth and herbal notions plus violets and an exotic spice waft. Medium to full-bodied, taut and muscular in the expressive mouth.

December 29, 2017

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Malbec...An elegant style of wine, with notes of cedar wood, black and red currants and spice box, this medium-bodied, delicious, complex and elegant wine could easily pass for a second- or third-growth Bordeaux in a blind tasting.

December 30, 2016

A rich, full-bodied wine with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec, this offers sizable tannins that wrap themselves around dark, brooding fruit and smoky oak. Blackberry and plum intertwine around luxurious chocolate and tobacco, complementing one another on this finish.

October 01, 2015

Artemis is SLWC's cabernet blend from purchased grapes and in 2012, it's broad and juicy, emphasizing full-on depths of plumskin flavor and richness while retaining freshness in the fruit. Generous in its creamy texture, this is a match for filet mignon.

June 01, 2015

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis offers delicious blackcurrant fruit, attractive meaty, rich blackcurrant fruitiness, well-integrated wood, and hints of spice and oak. Fleshy and medium-bodied but also made in the elegant style sought by this winery, it should drink well for 10-15 years.

October 31, 2014

Shows the richness and balance of Stag's Leap Cabernets, with firm tannins housing solid flavors of blackberries, black cherries and black currants. Blended with 12% Merlot, it's voluptuous and delicious to drink now, and should develop bottle complexity over the next eight years.

November 01, 2013

Distinctive, fresh and fragrant, with notes of lemon verbena and lemongrass up front, with touches of fresh-grated ginger, yuzu and grapefruit that linger with terrific intensity on the finish.

April 30, 2023

Vivid herb and citrus aromas and a tangy, lively mouthfeel make this medium-bodied wine mouth watering. Snap peas, celery, lemon and jicama flavors show a strong presence.

April 01, 2023

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Aveta—a blend of 76% Sauvignon Blanc, 19% Sauvignon Musqué, 4% Muscat Canelli and 1% Sémillon—is pungent and grassy, with notes of passion fruit and boxwood joining grapefruit on the nose. Medium-bodied, it's slightly creamy on the palate, then moves into a crisp, mouthwatering finish.

March 31, 2023

A bright, juicy, grassy, and grapefruit-scented white, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Aveta is medium-bodied, has nicely integrated acidity, and a clean, balanced style. It’s impeccably made and perfect for enjoying over the coming couple of years.

February 16, 2023

Papaya, sliced-mango, and dried-apricot aromas follow through to a full body with a round texture and a fruity finish. Tropical fruit at the end.

October 05, 2022

... It sings of fresh limes, lemon zest and green apples with dried herbs and chalk dust hints. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with uncomplicated citrus flavors, and it finishes tangy and refreshing.

November 30, 2021

Grapefruit, green apple, lemon, lime leaf and blanched almond on the nose. Some saline notes, too. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a focused, zesty and mineral palate.

October 26, 2021

Sleek and bright, featuring fresh white grapefruit, pomelo and green apple flavors, with hints of white pepper and dried jasmine on the finish.

February 14, 2022

Sliced lemon, melon and pear with some stone on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, tight and fresh with a creamy texture and a delicious finish. Some green melon, too.

June 15, 2021

This bright and balanced white offers tones of grass, herbs and stone fruit, with a steely core of acidity and freshness. A touch of fig adds subtle richness on the finish.

May 01, 2021

Grassy, citrusdriven and light, this is a fresh, focused white wine, with underlying complexity and subtle weight. The herbal components work well against the crisp, balanced fruit elements of peach and apricot. —V.B.

June 01, 2020

A clean and gentle sauvignon blanc with sweet passion fruit richness, this has enough acidity to work with briny oysters. —J.G.

April 01, 2020

Made up of 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Sauvignon Musqué, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Aveta delivers bold notes of wild thyme, yuzu zest and lime leaves with a core of green apples and gooseberries. Medium-bodied and refreshing, with energetic citrus and herbal flavors, it finishes long with a white pepper note coming through.

November 27, 2019

This has 10% Sauvignon Musqué, 3% Sémillon and 1% Muscat Canelli. Together, the grapes provide an experience of floral melon, stone fruit and white flower, a pungent nuttiness contributing additional complexity. The midpalate is steely and high toned in citrus. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

This has 10% Sauvignon Musqué, 3% Sémillon and 1% Muscat Canelli. Together, the grapes provide an experience of floral melon, stone fruit and white flower, a pungent nuttiness contributing additional complexity. The midpalate is steely and high toned in citrus. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

There’s stature to this wine’s warm prickly-pear and lime flavors. It’s structured by oak, but the main elements are salty and crunchy, tomatillo-like in their spicy edge. Pour it with fish flautas.

February 01, 2018

A fresh, citrusy style of sauvignon blanc with preserved lemons, guava peel and limes as well as some pastry notes. Reductive at first but opens up. Medium-bodied, fresh acidity and a crisp finish. Lots of drive. Drink now.

November 29, 2017

Half of this blend comes from an estate vineyard along the Napa River in Oak Knoll; much of the balance comes from a vineyard in Wooden Valley, in the hills northeast of Napa. One- third of the wine is made from the musque clone, which, along with fermentation in older oak, lends richness and fatness to the cool, spicy citrus.

June 01, 2017

Buttery aromas and flavors infuse this full-bodied, nicely fruity wine as mild lemon and pineapple flavors are coated with lactic notes. A creamy texture and butterscotch finish add to its appealing richness.

August 31, 2023

Pretty, with aromatic details of peach blossoms and honeysuckle to highlight the vibrant, crisp lemon, yuzu and apple flavors, revealing a touch of minerality and fresh-clipped herbs on the finish.

May 01, 2023

The medium gold-hued 2021 Chardonnay Karia is a ripe, fleshy, straightforward, yet satisfying Chardonnay that has plenty of honeyed orchard fruits, some spicy oak, medium body, and a good finish.

February 16, 2023

Rounded aromas of baked lemon, lemon grass, nutmeg and straw. Medium-bodied. Wet stone and matchstick on the palate, with a silky texture and pleasant weight.

October 05, 2022

A stunning wine for the price, this is full and fleshy in style, yet balanced in approach. Underlying richness in the form of honey, melon and apple crisp find a lift from underlying acidity, the oak spiced and lush. It is great wintertime wine.

December 01, 2022

The 2019 Chardonnay Karia sings of fresh pineapple, Bosc pears and spice cake, with hints of candied ginger, beeswax and cashews. Medium to full-bodied, intense and spicy in the mouth, it has an alluring satiny texture and a nutty finish.

November 30, 2021

Made in a full-bodied style, with a grip of oak laden in baking spice, this wine is complex and well structured. Peach and pear flavors add to the richness and enduring softness of the texture.

October 01, 2021

This well-knit white is filled with a juicy basket of white peach, ruby grapefruit and lemon curd flavors. Pastry accents midpalate lead to the voluptuously spiced finish.
July 31, 2021

#8 - Top 10 Values 2021, February 28, 2022

Apple tart with some stone and toffee aromas, as well as some flint, following through to a medium-to full-bodied, tight and compact palate with some creaminess. Tight finish

June 15, 2021

The 2018 Chardonnay Karia rolls effortlessly out of the glass with exuberant scents of honey-drizzled apricots, fresh melon and mandarin peel with hints of lemon drops and marzipan. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of stone fruit and savory layers, delivering a lively backbone and a spicy kick to the finish.

February 26, 2021

The 2018 Chardonnay Karia comes from a selection from throughout the valley and offers a light gold color as well as a rich, well oaked, buttery style that includes attractive orchard fruits, white flowers, vanilla, and spice-driven aromas and flavors.

January 27, 2021

Ripe-apple, papaya and toasted-hazelnut aromas. It’s full-bodied and phenolic with crisp acidity. Toasty finish. Drink now.

December 23, 2020

Clean and brisk, this takes creamy Napa Valley ripeness and adds a smoky, raw-almond depth of flavor. Pour it with mackerel pâté. —J.G.

October 01, 2020

This is an opulent, structured and mineral-driven white wine, richly layered and robustly built with weight and ample body. Brioche, honeycomb and baked apple meet a complement of fresh acidity and a lasting note of stone. —V.B.

October 01, 2020

The 2017 Chardonnay Karia features grapefruit, lime cordial and orange blossoms with marzipan and beeswax hints on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with lovely vivacity and a refreshing line, finishing zesty.

January 31, 2019

This is the producer’s cooler-climate offering of the variety—a steely, classically structured wine that has crisp well-defined apple, melon and pear. —V.B.

June 01, 2019

The 2016 Chardonnay Karia is scented of green apples, lemons and orange blossom with a waft of peach kernels and lightly browned toast. The medium to full-bodied palate is understated and well poised, with satiny texture and good expression.

January 31, 2018

Aromas of white peach, lemon rind and green apple follow through to a medium body, tangy fruit and a green tea undertone. Lighter style. Enjoyable. Drink now.

March 20, 2017