Winemaker Notes
This vertical three-pack includes one bottle each of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 2013 & 2016.
- 1 Bottle of 2008 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2008 S.L.V. is the 35th vintage since the 1973 S.L.V. won the Paris Tasting in 1976. This rich and generous Cabernet Sauvignon opens with crushed blackberry and ripe plum aromas, accented by notes of anise, fennel and cedar. Full-bodied and supple, the wine flows smoothly across the palate. The wine's texture is reminiscent of enjoying a dark chocolate covered caramel with sea salt. Dark fruit and spice linger on the finish. Serve S.L.V. with braised lamb shanks with star anise or pork tenderloin with fresh rosemary. - 1 Bottle of 2013 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2013 S.L.V. offers intriguing aromas of dark chocolate, currant, date, licorice and baking spice. The wine is full bodied with layered, complex flavors of black currant, wild berry, graphite and vanilla that lead to a bold, yet silky finish. The wine’s structured tannins, rich fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine’s ability to age. Enjoy with spice-rubbed Rib-eye or filet mignon, Osso Buco or a hearty wild mushroom risotto or polenta. - 1 Bottle of 2016 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2016 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and complex with aromas of currants, violets, and dusty cocoa powder. Generous dark fruit flavors dominate the palate and meld with hints of graphite. The tannins are structured but have a soft edge and the wine finishes with a dark chocolate note. The tannin structure, rich dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine’s ability to age. Enjoy with grilled paprika-marinated skirt steak or tomato braised pork over pasta (Sugo di Maiale).
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
2013: Graphite, lavender, mint, licorice and plums literally jump out of the glass in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. Vibrant and powerful in the glass, the 2013 is endowed with striking nuance for a wine of its size. The wine's explosive energy is compelling, but it will be a number of years before the 2013 is ready to drink. It is pretty magical at this early stage just the same.
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James Suckling
2016: 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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2013: Celebrating its 40th anniversary vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.) Estate-Grown may be one of the all-time great offerings from Stag’s Leap Vineyard. It’s not easy to say after 40 years of achievement, but it is certainly a candidate for one of the finest Stags Leap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons ever made, particularly under this moniker (We have to exclude the Cask 23 and the Fay Vineyard.) 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.
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Wine Enthusiast
2008: An awesome Cabernet, so elegant, powerful and refined. As softly attractive as it is, it has a reserve of power that should enable it to age effortlessly. Ripe, sweet tannins house exorbitant flavors of blackberries and cassis, accented with new oak. It makes for a full-bodied, showy 100% Cabernet, drinkable now and over the next 15 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
2016: 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. Enjoy 2026–2031.
Considered one of the "first growths" of Napa Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from its historic Stags Leap District estate vineyards. Learn about Stags Leap history and estate-grown wines.
History of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was founded in 1970 with the purchase of a 40 acre property in the now famed Stag’s Leap District AVA in Napa Valley. The winery brought international recognition to California winemaking and the Napa Valley region when their 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Paris Tasting, also known as the "Judgement of Paris."
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Estate-Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' three estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons - CASK 23, S.L.V. and Fay - are among the most highly regarded and collected Cabernet Sauvignons worldwide. The Cabernet wines are fashioned to express richness balanced by elegant restraint, an approach often described as "an iron fist in a velvet glove."
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.