2020 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT S.L.V.

S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Today, this vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure. In 1976, the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous Judgment of Paris blind tasting. And so the legacy continues...

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

For this wine the primary blocks were 2A, 3A, 1A, 3B and S.L.V. 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 fire-borne volcanic soils, give this wine its structure and sense of minerality along with concentrated dark fruit flavors and ripe, elegant tannins.

VINTAGE

A dry and hot growing season, coupled with a global pandemic, and multiple wildfires made 2020 a year we won’t forget. Rain right at bloom interrupted fruit set and provided a “natural fruit thinning” that brought the crop in balance relative to the dry soil conditions. The warm weather this vintage produced wines with a riper character. We are very pleased with the resulting wines from the 2020 vintage (although there won’t be as many bottles) to carry our legacy forward.

TASTING NOTES

The 2020 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon offers generous aromas of black fruit, cocoa, blackberry jam, ripe plum and baking spice. Integrated fruit and oak flavors meld on the palate with rich, polished tannins. The tannin structure, dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine’s ability to age.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Enjoy with Steak Diane, Grilled Hangar Steak with Chimichurri, Duck Confit with Roasted Figs and Polenta or Mushroom Ravioli with Arrabiata Sauce.