2021 Winemaker Series Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1

ABOUT WINEMAKERS SERIES

Crafted especially for our wine club members, the Winemaker Series allows us to select interesting lots and create unique blends. This is like taking a walk through the vineyard, experiencing the unique characteristics that define Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' world-class vineyards. These wines offer a great juxtaposition to our classic Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offerings. 

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

 This wine is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.  The Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Antinori Napa Valley’s estate vineyard on Atlas Peak. Atlas Peak in Napa Valley typically experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate, along with the region's volcanic soils, contributes to producing high-quality wine grapes. The fruit was harvested on September 30. After fermentation, the wine was aged 20 months in 100% new French oak. The wine was bottled without filtration to retain its purity. 

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season will be remembered for being the second consecutive year of very dry conditions during winter and spring coupled with challenging weather during bloom. This resulted in reduced yields and variability in cluster size. A near perfect summer of classic Napa Valley weather: moderate temperatures during the day and cool sea breezes in the afternoon and evening, resulted in balanced structure. Early September saw a mini heat wave that pushed ripeness along, then a return to beautiful weather for the remainder of harvest. The 2021 vintage is one of the highest quality we’ve seen in the last decade. 

TASTING NOTES

This inviting Cabernet Sauvignon opens with vibrant aromas of currents, cranberries, olives, and sage. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with a touch of cocoa and Berry fruit flavors on the palate. The wine has a lasting elegant finish with a touch of dark chocolate.