2022 Cellarius I Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT CELLARIUS
Andreas Cellarius was a 17th Century Dutch-German scholar and map maker. His 1661 text, the Harmonia Macrocosmica, illustrated the theories and philosophies on the science of stellar and planetary movement that were debated during the Renaissance period. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars owns a set of nine of the engravings. Highly detailed, the artist created works that manage to be both precise in their presentation of the theories of the day, and strikingly beautiful.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
The Cellarius Series showcases the finest Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage, sourced from our growers in Napa Valley. The 2022 Cellarius Series is composed entirely of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from grapes sourced from Moore Ranch (Hills East of St. Helena) and Twin Creeks Vineyard. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage was the third year in a row of drought. Following the 2021 harvest, we received a record rainfall of 11.20 inches at the end of October, resulting in saturated soil. Unfortunately, the rest of the winter was remarkably dry. We began the 2022 season with early mowing and tillage to conserve as much soil moisture as possible. There was an unusual hail/rainstorm at bloom that reduced yields in some vineyards. This was followed by a late frost in mid-April, but thankfully we did not get extreme freezing temperatures. Spring weather was very unpredictable, with a mix of cool, warm, and hot days. Mother Nature gave us some late June rain that increased the mildew pressure across the valley. It wasn’t until mid-July when we reached our typical summer temperatures. The rest of the summer saw average temperatures and good growing conditions. Then, just at the start of harvest, we experienced a nine-day heat wave with record temperatures. Despite the drought and extreme heat at harvest, with careful attention to the timing of our work in the vineyards, we brought in exceptional fruit. Overall, the wines from this vintage have riper flavors and softer acid structures.
TASTING NOTES
The 2022 Cellarius Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe blackberries, boysenberries, figs, and dark fruits lead the nose. The palate is rich and densely structured, with polished, silky tannins that are beautifully ripe. Subtle baking spices mingle with lingering dark fruit flavors on the elegant finish.