Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasnt until the 1970s that this marriage came to light sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stags Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignons structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soilas a perfect example, Rutherfords famous dust or Stags Leap District‘s tart cherry flavors.
Wine & Vintage Details
Tasting Note
The 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and dark, with an abundance of blackberry, cherry and dark plum alongside nuances of lifted violet, sweet cinnamon and clove spice. On the palate, the dark berry fruits proliferate with blackberry, plum and cassis, but there is also a beautiful savory quality exhibiting notes of leather, tobacco and earth, giving this Cabernet a classic old-world feel and elegance. Seamlessly integrated oak and refined tannins provide a smooth mouthfeel and add layers of complexity, all wrapping up with a spicy lengthy finish. Incredibly approachable and pleasing upon release, this wine is sure to dazzle and pair well alongside many culinary treats.
Vintage Note
After three years of plentiful harvests, the 2015 vintage resulted in a less abundant crop, but the quality remained exceptional. The mild, dry spring conditions promoted an early bud-break and minimal heat during summer allowed the fruit to ripen at a steady pace through picking, which began a few days earlier than 2014. The drier-than-normal conditions contributed to the smaller berry size and low yields, resulting in wines with outstanding concentration and flavor, making the overall season ideal for producing Cabernet Sauvignon of wonderful quality.
Stags Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015
Deep ruby color cherry, plum, blackberry, clove spice on the nose blackberry, plum, redcurrant, cherry, tobacco, leather on the palate.
Stags Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015
Dry medium body dusty tannins nicely balancing acidity. Blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon, 4% malbec, 4% merlot, 2% petit verdot. Bright with clear focus with acidity from initial attack through medium-long finish. Blessedly this is not over-ripe, jammy, or over-oaked. About one-third finished in new French oak, the rest in seasoned barrels 14.2% ABV.
Very solid wine. Delivers richness, depth, and power without being overpowering. Good now, will get better with several more years of bottle aging. In the meantime, decanting smoothed and integrated the rich flavors. First taste on pop-and-pour presented a tad harsh wine with dusty, grippy tannins. Decanting solved the issues.
Stags Leap is one of Californias oldest wineries. Horace Chase partnered with his uncle, W.W. Thompson, to found the estate on land where grapes has been planted by T.L. Grigsby in the 1880s. The manor house was built in 1890 and the first vintage was produced in 1893.
After 64 years of non-wine making , Carl Doumani resumed wine production at Stags Leap in 1972. In 2009, Christophe Paubert joined Stags Leap as head winemaker and made this wine.
Stags Leap Winery Manor House
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Tasting Notes For Pine Ridge Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Deep ruby in color, this wine boasts aromas of raspberry and blueberry perfumed with floral notes and touches of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, cherry and raspberry fruit comes forward with layers of cassis, blueberry, vanilla cream, spice, and a sweet note. The texture is smooth and silky with well-integrated tannins and good acidic weight. The wine finishes long and polished.
Expressive and elegant, this exceptionally food-friendly wine will pair delightfully with a variety of dishes, from grilled T-bone steaks with chimichurri sauce, to miso-marinated sea bass or grilled salmon. For a perfect cheese pairing, Fiscalini Bandage Wrapped Cheddar, patterned after traditional English Cheddar, has the fullness, complexity, and ambition to match this wine.
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Stags’ Leap Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Soft in structure and tannin profile, this wine is savory in turned earth, sage and violet, with a distinct dried herb flavor to the midpalate and succulent waves of cassis and black raspberry. Virginie Boone
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
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