S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
1972
1972 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
A taste of Nathan Fay’s homemade 1968 Cabernet Sauvignon led the founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars to look for a vineyard near Nathan’s, which lay beneath the eastern promontory called “Stags Leap,” 6 miles north of Napa. He purchased 45 acres of orchard adjoining the FAY vineyard and planted it to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1970. This bottling, not generally released, was the first to bear the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars name.
1973
1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine that placed first in the 1976 Bicentennial tasting in Paris is now remarkably smooth and supple with superbly balanced tannin and fruit. Intensity of varietal flavor is maintained without the heaviness of more traditionally-styled Cabernets.
1974
1974 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Queen Elizabeth celebrated the President and Mrs. Reagan’s 31st wedding anniversary aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia in March, 1983. The wines which were served at this dinner were the 1974 Cabernet and the 1980 Birkmyer White Riesling, both from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
It gives us great pleasure to announce the availability of this increasingly rare wine. 1974 has been touted as one of the vintages of the decade, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars notes give some indication of its superb quality.
1976
1976 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
It is, like most of the Stag,’s Leap Vineyard Cabernets, a wine combining the qualities of velvet and steel. In some years, like 1975, the steel dominates, in others, like 1974, the velvet. In this vintage of 1976, the combination of these qualities is a superb unity of these opposites. There is soft fruit and austere tannin gracefully bound together. The bouquet has a rich appeal, inviting to delights within.
1978
1978 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag’s Leap Vineyards, Lot 2 ,1978 is the second regular bottling of our estate grown Cabernet. This wine is aptly described in the March 1 Release Letter on Lot 1, as follows:
“From a wine only fairly auspicious in its early stages, the 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Vineyards has become one of the most elegant, if not the most complete, graceful and fortunate example of the variety from that vineyard.
After two years of drought, the winter-spring of 177-’78 brought abundant moisture, favoring the responsive vines. At first, we thought the wines perhaps too open and yielding, and liable, with time, to lack firmness. But that original softness has reconstituted itself with the tannins, and the wines show an appropriate structural hardness in the finish.
The nose is a beautifully fruity collage of elements which reflect the return to easier times after stress. The body, still showing the discipline of lean years, has a compact trimness. About 2% Merlot has been blended to moderate those sharp edges.”
1979
1979 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium color, restrained, fruity nose, typical Stag’s Leap Vineyards complexity and aromas. Perhaps more subdued than the 1978 in midtaste flavor; at this time the somewhat still tannic structure carries a pleasant plumpness of fruit in the middle. The aftertaste is a bit chewy now with the astringency dominant, but already softening to produce a pleasant sensation of oncoming completeness and resolution.
1981
1981 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
With this exceptional wine we return to the series of superb wines, the last bottling of which was the now famous 1978 Lot 112 bottling. This 1981, because of its beauty and complexity, thus takes its place in the company of that wine. A deep color with a plum-hued edge gives the wine an immediate appeal, and the complex, subtle intertwining of aromas adds further interest to that appeal. This is a wine to delight the various senses. It has flavors at once delicate and robust, near and far-reaching with tannin and structure for long life and current appreciation. The wine finishes with great unity and overall balance. It is appropriate for foods with ample richness.
1982
1982 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The terms widely used to describe the Cabernets from Stag’s Leap Vineyards refer nostly to the combination.of the qualities of iron and velvet. “The iron fist in the velvet glove” has often been said to describe our wines. Our 1981 Cabernet represented to a great extent the predominance of the qualities of velvet. In the 1982 Cabernet, though both velvet and iron are in harmonious voice together, the iron is dominant. The color is a deep, glowing announcement to the complex Cabernet bouquet. Even in the nose there is a certain sturdiness suggested by the fruit. The mouth feel is smoothly structured and lively with great flavor interest. The wine finishes with length and continuity, suggesting an agreeable completeness appropriate to its weight.
1983
1983 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The long, mild growing season of 1983 produced an exceptional vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from our Stag’s Leap Vineyards. Harvest began in late September and lasted into October. When the grapes arrived at the winery we knew the wait had been worthwhile. Excellent color, high refreshing acidity and perfect sugar laid a good foundation for this wine.
1984
1984 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Referring to our 1984’s as “superb”, Robert Parker has described the vintage as “exciting” for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with wines that are stylistically rich, ripe, voluptuous, and tannic. We are pleased with all our Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ releases from this year, but are especially fond of our own vineyards’ 1984 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon.
1985
1985 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is proud to announce the release of our 1985 SLV (our new designation for Stag’s Leap Vineyards). This is the best wine we have made from this vineyard with the exception of the Cask Twenty-Three from the same year. Formerly, the 1974 and 1978 wines from the same vineyard were the paragons of excellence for style and vintage. You may recall that the 1974 Cabernet Sauvignon SLV Cask Twenty-Three was judged first by 700 assembled tasters at the Wine Spectator’s California Wine Experience tasting of outstanding California Cabernets in 1984. The 1978 SLV Lot 2 Cabernet was favored by three different sets of connoisseur tasters from among three different sets of Classed-Growth Bordeaux and fine California Cabernets in San Francisco, Houston, and Dallas in 1982.
1986
1986 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon from our SLV estate vineyard was picked over a two week period from September 7th to September 21st. The fruit exhibited a firm acid structure which enhanced its berry aroma and flavors. A combination of both short skin contact and extended maceration fermentation was used to extract the right amount of tannin to balance the fruit qualities. Following fermentation, the wine was lightly egg white fined and clarified. It rested 15 months in new and used French oak barrels with toast levels ranging from light to heavy. After barrel aging, the wine was again lightly egg white fined and bottled. In the glass this Cabernet Sauvignon has the earthy/spicy aromas of autumn leaves. A brambly character is balanced by a sweet, toasty oak dimension. The fruit holds continuously to the finish, which is deep, long and velvety. We consider this SLV to be in the top ranks of vintages from this vineyard.
1987
1987 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is made exclusively from our SLV estate vineyard grapes. Planted in the early 1970’s, this vineyard has produced some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines from California. We feel the 1987 bottling is no exception. The small crop in SLV produced fruit which is beginning to develop the attractive cedary aromas we all associate with classic cabernet-based wines. Exuberant, berry flavors interest and please the palate. While the decreased juice to skin ratio from this vintage gave us wine with rich varietal character and firm tannins, the addition of Merlot from the same estate vineyard
enhanced the layered texture, giving the wine our characteristic supple mouth feel.
1988
1988 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
That promise of something special was fulfilled. The 1988 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful wine abundant with fruit yet not short on structure or tannin. The black plum and hint of nutmeg in the nose carries over into the taste but with far more finesse than one would expect from such an exuberant beginning. There is a velvety softness to this wine in the mouth and the elegant tannins contribute to the overall structure and balance. Because of the small crop, we made no Cask 23 in 1988. The grapes from those blocks of the SLV vineyard that produce Cask 23 lent all their classic strength and subtilty to the 1988 SLV. This wine can be savored in its youth but will age with great distinction laid down in the cellar.
1989
1989 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine’s lovely, brickish ruby color invites further exploration of its heady aromas of spice, dry leaves and leather. Its perfume is almost satisfaction in itself, lent further complexity from the Fay Vineyard’s briary, ripe plum qualities.
The elegance expressed in the aroma, is rediscovered in the mouth as a harmonious blend of fruit both luscious and restrained – the structure and tannins balancing the magnitude of the subtle, berry fruit qualities. This is a wine to savor; it reveals its spicy complex composition to the attentive one who is not in a hurry.
1990
1990 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
A color reminiscent of crushed blackbery introduces this beautiful wine. Autumn aromas of dry leaves, tea and spice marry with hints of black plum. Dried cherry and French oak flavors are bold, but not brash. This wine will complement a wide assortment of dishes; try grilled filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto or, at the end of the meal, Asiago and pears.
1992
1992 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Threads of gentle tannins envelop lush berry and earthy flavors through a lingering finish. This wine’s immediate charms suggest early consumption with richly sauced meats, but the patient wine lover will later find it the perfect complement to such foods as seared tuna with white and black peppercorns or a wild mushroom risotto.
1993
1993 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Full velvety textures enhance blackberry and currant flavors while French oak highlights complement delicate, lingering tannins. Try pairing with venison marinated in green peppercorns and sage, or the more adventurous might experiment with a rich bouillabaisse.
1994
1994 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Soft cherry entry gains a firm black plum middle highlighted by tendrils of French oak. Fruit lingers on a gently tannic backbone. Serve with grilled lamb chops with an Italian-style medley of vegetables or a sun-dried tomato, porcini mushroom and Camembert tart.
1995
1995 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Supple cherry and plum tones gently envelop the palate. Elements of chocolate and tea leaf create a pleasing tautness and resolve in smooth reminders of an exquisite complexity. Serve with beef tenderloin dressed with roquefort butter or porcini mushrooms served in a shallot and cream sauce over brioche toast.
1996
1996 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Musky perfumes of summer-warmed blackberry unfold in layers of leather, tobacco and white pepper. Lush weight on the tongue fulfills the expectation created in the aroma and creates a thirst for more. Tendrils of spice accent the voluptuous fruit, attenuating through a silky finish. Try with lamb shanks in a Cabernet reduction or grilled vegetables over gorgonzola-flavored polenta.
1997
1997 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The 1997 S.L. V. is like a poem. Its aromas and flavors are subtle and complex. It shows its classic Bordeaux-like elements in graceful abundance. Nuances of white pepper and intriguing brambly qualities perfume the essence of black plum. Fruit is luscious on the palate with an elegant backbone of spicy French oak flavoring. The wine evolves through layers of te.a leaf and cassis flavors that are accompanied by restrained tannins, echoing in a silky finish. Try this wine with beef tenderloin dressed in a brandy reduction or a wild mushroom risotto.
1998
1998 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The 1998 S.L. V. presents itself both in aroma and taste like a great and intricate piece o.ftapeshy. In the nose, tendrils of smoke, crushed coriander and green tea embroider a rich fabric of blackbeny, dried cherry, earth moistened by a spring rain and hints of lavender. Upon entry, the flavors seem reticent-like shapes in an impressionist painting- but as the wine travels across the palate, beautiful, multidimensional flavors awaken the senses with vivid pictures of tree-ripened black plum. The wine’s satiny texture, like warm chocolate, has a inn backbone that resonates through the finish with nuances of cassis, vanilla and clove. Complement this wine with a sumptuous meat such as beef tenderloin or rich creamy dishes like puff pa shy filled with goat cheese.
1999
1999 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
The soils of S.L. V are a mix of rich waterborne alluvial elements mid volcanic earth, but in the wines the ‘fire” qualities contributed by the volcanic soils – intensity, depth and classic structure – predominate. Nevertheless, “water” characteristics are evident in the wine’s voluptuous perfume and fruit flavors, achieving a harmonious balance. The 1999 vintage offers aromas of raspberries and plums, evolving into rosemary, allspice, a11d 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. The finish recedes slowly, revealing the finely grained acidity for which S.L.V. is famous. Evolution in the glass is gradual, and soon the palate is tempted to take another taste. 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.
2000
2000 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
During this wine’s youth, we suggest coaxing its aromatics and flavors to the fore by gently swirling it in the glass, to increase the exposure to oxygen. Swirl and then savor the welcoming scents of dried rose petals, smoke, and sandalwood, followed by hints of green olive, date, black pepper, and cedar. This rich array is echoed in the mouth, which fills with flavors of vanilla, olives, sandalwood, and black cherry. The wine’s complexity continues to unfold as the finish slowly, gracefully recedes. Time will take this wondrous wine to even greater heights. For now, pair it with penne tossed with roasted eggplant and late summer heirloom tomatoes, generously topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, or a skirt steak marinated in garlic-spiked olive oil, then grilled over wood.
2001
2001 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
This savory, multifaceted wine is a bit reticent at first, but allow it to open up-first in the glass, then on your tongue-and discover how much it has to offer. Aromas of berries, brown sugar, and chocolate-covered orange peel evolve in the mouth into a flavor array that includes dark berries, purple fruits, and rosemary. The soft grip carries all the way around and then all the way through the long, satisfying finish. The 2001 S.L.V. will age beautifully for a decade and beyond. To enjoy it now, decant at least an hour beforehand, then serve with grilled pancetta-wrapped figs, oxtail stew with black olives over pappardelle, or polenta topped with a moreland-porcini flan.
2002
2002 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Allow this savory, multifaceted wine to open up—first in the glass, then on your tongue—and discover the treasures it has to offer. Aromas of berries, brown sugar, and dense dark chocolate evolve in the mouth into a flavor array that includes dark berries, black fruits, and rosemary. The soft grip carries all the way through the long, satisfying finish. The 2002 S.L.V. will age beautifully for a decade and beyond. To enjoy it now, decant at least an hour beforehand, then serve with grilled pancetta-wrapped figs, oxtail stew with black olives over pappardelle, or polenta topped with a morel-and-porcini flan.
2003
2003 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
This history-making vineyard and terroir is beautifully expressed in this 2003 vintage wine. Alluring aromas of cocoa powder and black cherry evolve alongside pretty floral tones and a hint of smoke. Flavors of chocolate, raspberry, and black cherry coat the mouth with a light touch of cedar and truffles that weave through the multi-layered structure for which S.L.V. is renowned. Time will take this wine to even greater heights, but it can be enjoyed now for those who appreciate the robust quality of its fruit.
2004
2004 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that bested some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in a 1976 blind tasting that has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and firm structure – promising long life and ageability.
2005
2005 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that bested some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in a 1976 blind tasting that has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and firm structure – promising long life and ageability.
2006
2006 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that bested some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in a 1976 blind tasting that has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and firm structure – promising long life and ageability.
2007
2007 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that bested some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in a 1976 blind tasting that has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and firm structure – promising long life and ageability.
2008
2008 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that bested some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in a 1976 blind tasting that has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and firm structure – promising long life and ageability.
2009
2009 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2010
2010 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.”
Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2011
2011 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure — promising long life and ageability.
2012
2012 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure – promising long life and ageability.
2013
2013 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 marks the 40th Anniversary of the historic “Judgment of Paris” tasting at which the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors among the red wines, triumphing over two first-growth and other renowned wines of Bordeaux. The story of The Judgment of Paris brought international recognition to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, theNapa Valley and the American wine industry as a whole.
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard and was planted in 1970. The 1973 S.L.V.that won the Paris Tasting was crafted from just three-year-old vines. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2014
2014 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard and was planted in 1970. The 1973 S.L.V.that won the Paris Tasting was crafted from just three-year-old vines. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2015
2015 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard and was planted in 1970. The 1973 S.L.V.that won the Paris Tasting was crafted from just three-year-old vines. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2016
2016 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2017
2017 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2018
2018 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
2019
2019 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.