2023 Montagna Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT MONTAGNA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars focuses on crafting wines grown in its estate vineyards. But, when Winemaker Marcus Notaro had an opportunity to secure exceptional mountain fruit from a coveted Pritchard Hill site in the vintage of the decade, he couldn’t pass the chance. This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made in the same signature winemaking style focused on complexity and flavor.
VINTAGE
The 2023 vintage could be the vintage of the decade. It is among the coolest growing seasons in Napa Valley in the past ten-plus years, resulting in wines that are exceptionally flavorful, expressive, and have strong potential to age for decades to come.
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. No significant heat waves occurred in late August or early September, so grape clusters developed beautifully.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars saw higher than average yields across all its estate vineyards. September progressed without extreme weather, so Cabernet continued a slow, steady, and even ripening period, producing remarkable wines. 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.