Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Vintner's Select
Full-bodied red wine crafted with a focus on rich fruit concentration, balanced structure, and polished oak influence. · Stags' Leap Winery is a historic estate located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Founded in 1893, the winery is renowned for producing classic Napa Valley wines that express the unique terroir of the district. It is currently owned by Treasury Wine Estates. The winery holds a prestigious reputation for crafting elegant, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
Vintage: 2024
Type
Full-bodied red wine crafted with a focus on rich fruit concentration, balanced structure, and polished oak influence.
Producer
Stags' Leap Winery is a historic estate located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Founded in 1893, the winery is renowned for producing classic Napa Valley wines that express the unique terroir of the district. It is currently owned by Treasury Wine Estates. The winery holds a prestigious reputation for crafting elegant, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
Country
United States. The US is a major New World wine producer, with California leading the charge. American wine production combines traditional European winemaking techniques with modern technological innovations, largely operating under a system of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
Vintage
2024
Region & Appellation
Napa Valley, Stags Leap District AVA, California, USA. The Stags Leap District is celebrated for its unique microclimate and volcanic-alluvial soils, which impart a signature fine-grained tannin structure and elegance to its red wines.
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with small amounts of traditional Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Color & Appearance
Deep, opaque ruby-purple core with a vibrant magenta rim, indicating youth, high concentration, and sturdy structure.
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of black cherry, black currant, and cassis, complemented by secondary and tertiary notes of dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, vanilla, and subtle dustiness.
Tasting Notes
A powerful yet elegant attack of ripe black fruits leading into a structured mid-palate with layers of spice and mocha. The finish is long, warming, and harmonious, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit and fine-grained tannins.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by blackberry, black cherry, and cassis fruit flavors, underscored by notes of savory tobacco, dried herbs, vanilla, and hints of graphite and earth.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a velvety, luxurious mouthfeel. The wine exhibits rich extract, impressive concentration, and a smooth, polished texture that coats the palate.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high acidity provides vibrant freshness that balances the rich fruit profile. Tannins are firm yet fine-grained and silky, characteristic of the Stags' Leap terroir.
Sweetness Level
Dry, with negligible residual sugar, balanced by ripe fruit sweetness and oak influence.
Alcohol Content
Typically around 14.5% to 15.0% ABV, providing a warming sensation and generous body typical of premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aging & Oak
Aged for 12 to 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with a significant percentage of new oak to impart notes of vanilla, toast, and subtle baking spices.
Food Pairings
Ideal with prime rib, grilled ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb, venison, or hard aged cheeses like aged Cheddar and Gouda.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F (15-18°C) in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 1 to 2 hours is recommended to allow the aromas to open up and tannins to soften.
Price Range
$45 - $65 USD, offering very good value for a high-end Napa Valley appellation Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quality Assessment
Estimated 90-93 points on a 100-point scale. Considered a premium, consistently well-crafted Napa Valley red that delivers regional typicity and approachable elegance.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and gently crushed. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control and regular pump-overs to maximize color and tannin extraction. Aged in barrel before final blending and bottling.
Terroir
Well-drained volcanic and alluvial soils composed of loam and gravel. Protected from harsh afternoon winds by the surrounding Palisades, benefiting from cooling breezes off the San Pablo Bay.
History & Heritage
Stags' Leap Winery is one of California's oldest wine estates, established in 1893 by Mr. and Mrs. Horace Chase. The historic stone winery and Victorian manor house stand as landmarks of Napa Valley's early winemaking history.
Interesting Facts
The iconic stag leaping across the label honors the legend that a stag leaped to safety across the rocky cliffs of the Palisades to escape hunters, giving the district its name.
Cellaring Potential
Approachable in its youth, but will gracefully evolve and develop tertiary leather and forest floor notes over the next 5 to 10 years when stored in optimal cellaring conditions.
Similar Wines
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis.