Winemaker Notes
The 1999 vintage of S.L.V. is one of the smallest in the last 20 years, for it marks the beginning of the rejuvenation of our original estate vineyard. First planted by the Winiarski family in 1970, by the late 1990's S.L.V. had passed middle age, and vine disease and diminished vigor were beginning to take a toll. Beginning in 1999 we started a multi-year program of replanting partial blocks of the vineyard. It will take several years for the process to be completed and for S.L.V. to return to full strength. Until that time, we are devoting extra man-hours to nurturing and harvesting grapes that meet the standards of the S.L.V label, and declassifying much of the fruit to other Cabernet programs.
The 1999 vintage offers aromas of raspberries and plums, evolving into rosemary, allspice and rosewater before the mouth is seduced by a bounty of cherries, raspberries, and cassis. Yet, the fruit is nestled amid fragrant star anise and cedar, underlining the elegant balance of "fire" and "water." Serve with pork tenderloin, pan-seared and then roasted with apples and fresh garden herbs, or a creamy ragout of wild mushrooms over homemade fettuccini.
Professional Ratings
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.