Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon S. L. V. is deep purple-black and just a little reduced at this youthful stage, offering glimpses at crushed blackberries, mulberries and warm cassis notes plus hints of tilled soil, scorched earth, tar and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals incredibly provocative and complex layers of black fruits and earthy notions, supported by a rock-solid, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
Barrel Sample: 94-97 -
James Suckling
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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Wine Enthusiast
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.
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Wine Spectator
Red currant and plum puree flavors stream through, with well-focused structure underneath keeping this moving along as savory, floral and mineral hints kick in on the finish. Very stylish. Drink now through 2035.
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Wine & Spirits
There’s a cool, zesty feel to this vintage of SLV, the wine’s black fruit accented by notes of bergamot, basil and mint. The alcohol comes across as richness, completely integrated into the dark fruit, the wine soft but firm in its dark-chocolate tannins. This should age well, or decant it now for short ribs cooked until the meat begins to fall off the bones.
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.