2022 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars estate is located in the Stags Leap District, which is known for its warm afternoons, cool evening breezes, and marine layer. The wine 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc primarily sourced from the estate’s two vineyards in Napa’s smallest sub-appellation.
S.L.V., also known as Stag's Leap Vineyard, is the winery's first vineyard. Planted in 1970, it gained international fame when the first crop from three-year-old vines in the 1973 harvest produced a wine that amazed the wine world. In a 1976 blind tasting known as the "Judgment of Paris," this wine outperformed some of France's greatest wines. Today, this historic vineyard continues to produce wines that are complex, and well-structured, ensuring they have the potential for long aging.
FAY Vineyard, established in 1961 by pioneering grape grower Nathan Fay, was the first site to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in what is now the Stags Leap District AVA. At the time, the area was widely considered too cool for Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen successfully, but Fay took a calculated risk in defiance of conventional wisdom. His early success—and the quality of the wines he produced from this vineyard—ultimately inspired Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars founder Warren Winiarski to acquire and develop the neighboring Stags Leap Vineyard.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
The winery is located in the Stags Leap District, which is known for its warm afternoons, cool evening breezes, and marine layer. The wine 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc primarily sourced from the estate’s two vineyards in Napa’s smallest sub-appellation. This particular wine is typically reserved exclusively for members and visitors of the winery.
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 profiles. 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 was unremarkable, with 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 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of blackberry compote, ripe dark plum, and subtle mocha. The palate is rich and expressive, with notes of plum, tobacco, and chocolate-covered cherries, complemented by a silky texture and a long, elegant finish.