Stag's Leap Wine Cellars SLV Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

2018 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

The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool – a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. We completed the harvest for our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – and began picking our red grapes – a good month later than in 2017 (and two weeks later than normal). Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.

TASTING NOTES

The 2018 S. L. V. Cabernet Sauvignon has generous aromas of violet, plum dark fruit, cocoa dust and graphite. On the palate the wine has a rich, gravelly structure with pure fruit, dusty tannins and a long, savory finish. The tannin structure, dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wine's ability to age.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Enjoy with Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage, Birria Beef Tacos, or Mushroom Ravioli with Arrabiata Sauce.

ANALYSIS

"This is one of the best SLVs I have tasted with total balance and structure that highlights what was possible in 2018. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and poised, with layer upon layer of fine tannins that give depth and beauty to this young red. Blackcurrant, blueberry and floral flavours."