Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The least expensive cuvee, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of cedar, black currants, flowers and a subtle hint of toast. Medium to full-bodied with beautiful density, ripeness, elegance and balance, it should drink well for 15+ years. Elegant, well-made Cabernets continue to emerge from this reputable as well as increasingly high quality producer in the tiny corridor of Stags Leap where the Yountville Crossroad intersects the Silverado Trail. Cliff Lede’s forward, delicious 2008s merit attention from readers. An early look at the 2009s suggests these will be early drinkers as they possess forward fruit, soft tannins and endearing, mid-weight styles. For most wineries, 2009 is clearly not a blockbuster vintage, but rather one that might turn out to be similar to 2005, underrated initially, but putting on weight and showing beautiful balance in what was clearly a cooler year.
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 wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s 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 Sauvignon’s 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 soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.