Winemaker Notes
The 2019 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon offers generous dark fruit aromas of black currant, plum and candied fig along with cocoa dust. On the palate the wine has dense, yet polished, tannins that meld with layers of dark fruit, fig and violet. The tannin structure, dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine’s ability to age.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A generous, ripe, even opulent wine from a sunny, warm year. This feels rounded, seamless, deep in black cherries and blueberries with dark chocolate accents. The tannins are evident but plush and mouthfilling.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Pure crème de cassis, violets, and lead pencil shaving nuances emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V., a concentrated, structured, almost austere 2019 that has terrific balance as well as a great mid-palate. Possessing youthful tannins and remarkable purity of fruit, this ultra-classic, flawlessly put together Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years. Count me impressed – this is brilliant juice. Rating: 95+
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. features perfumed aromas of violets and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, nicely elegant while being powerful and sturdy at the same time. No, it's not made in a modern, blockbuster style, but it's true to its heritage, with subtle herb shadings and a long, silky finish. Best After 2024
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.