2023 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT S.L.V.

S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyard, is the winery’s first vineyard. This vineyard achieved international fame after the 1973 vintage 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 vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

For this wine the primary blocks were 2A, 3A, 1A, 1B, and Block 4 – the “grande dame” of the vineyard – which was planted in 1972. These vines along with blocks on the eastern side of S.L.V., characterized by their volcanic soils, give this wine its structure and sense of minerality along with concentrated dark fruit flavors and ripe, elegant tannins.

VINTAGE

The 2023 vintage is the 50th anniversary of S.L.V. winning the historic Judgment of Paris blind tasting. Coincidentally, 2023 ended up being similar in character to the winning 1973 vintage. 

Winter brought ample rainfall that filled reservoirs and enriched soils with lasting saturation. Cool conditions led to a later than average bud break in mid-April, with continued cold weather throughout bloom. Summer was a classic for Napa Valley, with the cool sea breeze all season long that resulted in a slow and even ripening period.

The 2023 Cabernets are dark in color with varietally expressive aromatics, full of complexity and character. These wines have vibrant acidity, rich, flavorful structures, and lengthy tannins.  

TASTING NOTES

The wine leads with dark fruit aromas on the nose intertwined with cocoa, baking spices, cassis, and subtle cedar spice. The palate is rich and firmly structured, revealing gravelly and iron-tinged mineral nuances. Dark chocolate emerges toward the end, carrying through a persistent, well-structured finish.