Stag's Leap Wine Cellars : S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the 2022 S.L.V from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Tasting

Nose
Black fruits, blackcurrant, ripe plums, violet, graphite, dark chocolate and black tea are among the aromas blending in a broad and expressive nose.

Palate
An ample-textured attack precedes a palate where fresh, deep tannins stretch into a finish with notes of espresso, mocha and black fruits.

Food and Wine Pairings

Steak Diane, duck confit with roasted figs, or ravioli in arrabbiata sauce are refined pairing suggestions with this great Californian wine.

A balanced and aromatic Napa Valley wine

The Estate

Founded in 1970, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has become over the vintages a benchmark among the great Napa Valley wines. As pioneers, the estate's founders replanted a plot that was previously an orchard with vines, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape varietal that was then scarcely used locally. It marked the start of an unparalleled revolution in the history of American wines.

A few years later, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won the blind tasting for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the famous "Jugement de Paris" of 1976, ahead of prestigious French wines. The estate's legend was born.

Since 2007, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has been under the joint management of the American estate Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the Antinori family.

The Wine

Also known as Stag's Leap Vineyards, S.L.V is the estate's historic vineyard. Planted in 1970, this terroir three years later produced a wine that became emblematic after winning the blind tasting for Best Cabernet Sauvignon ahead of prestigious French wines at the famous "Jugement de Paris" in 1976.

Over the vintages, this great Napa Valley wine has been recognized for its complexity, intense spicy notes, structure and significant aging potential.

The S.L.V cuvée is crafted from vineyards stemming from a large-scale, progressive replanting program designed to perpetuate this historic vineyard. This mosaic of terroirs includes parcels whose volcanic soils impart to the wine a combination of structure and minerality alongside intense black fruit notes and elegant tannins. The western part of the vineyard, with alluvial soils, enhances the wine's fruity and aromatic expression.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (98%) and Cabernet Franc (2%).