Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

About the Winery

The Stag’s Leap story is a historic one. Founded in 1970 and notably known for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris. The result of the tasting has been described by Decanter as “a victory that put California on the winemaking map, and established Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars as a global superstar”.

They have a gorgeous modern, state of the art tasting room with scenic panoramic views of their FAY estate vineyards. They also have some of the most beautiful wine caves. If you haven’t experienced a cave tour, this is the one.

Tastings

While Visiting Stags Leap Wine Cellars we enjoyed the Estate Collection Tasting Flight. Our host Jason was amazing, he was extremely knowledgeable, funny and engaging. Besides their signature flight, he allowed us to taste some of their most exclusive wines.

2018 Arcadia Chardonnay This ARCADIA VINEYARD Chardonnay offers delicate, expressive aromas of stone fruit, pear, honeydew melon and jasmine. The wine is vibrant with refreshing acidity on the palate with nice fruit and floral flavors. The mouthfeel is silky with a lingering finish.

2018 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon The 2018 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon offers fragrant aromas of boysenberry, cherry pie, cassis, sweet spice and a touch of gardenia. The wine has a velvety mouthfeel with a well-balanced structure supported by lush polished tannins and flavors of blackberry and blueberry.

2018 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon The 2018 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon has generous aromas of violet, plum dark fruit, cocoa dust and graphite. On the palate the wine has a rich, gravelly structure with pure fruit, dusty tannins and a long, savory finish. The tannin structure, dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine’s ability to age.

2018 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon The 2018 CASK 23 combines the signature perfume notes of FAY vineyard with the structure and dark fruit of S.L.V. The wine opens with complex and expressive aromas of dark fruits, currants and figs along with hints of floral spice, sandalwood and wet stone. The wine has a vibrant taste and texture with the winery’s classic “Peacock’s Tail” that expands in the mouth and leads to a lingering aftertaste and finish.

The Wine Down

If you’re ever in Napa Valley, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and make sure to try their Estate Collection Flight. If you decide to join their wine club, you’ll have access to many of the fabulous events that they host. YES, I am obsessed with this winery!

Rating: 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷