STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS “S.L.V.” Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 1.5L

Winemaker Notes: S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that stunned the wine world when it bested some of Frances greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structurepromising long life and ageability.

The 2017 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon offers generous aromas of dark chocolate, graphite, truffle, dried fig and a lovely touch of violet. Rich and refined on the mid-palate, the wine has a long and well-structured finish with a dusty cocoa powder note. The tannin structure, rich dark fruit, and pleasing minerality point to this wines ability to age. Enjoy with Moroccan-spiced Shrimp over sweet potato mash, grilled buffalo burgers with caramelized onions & Havarti cheese or baked chicken with hazelnut Mole sauce.

Press Reviews

95JAMES SUCKLING

This leads with blackcurrants, stewed blackberries, eucalyptus and cloves. Some dried violets, too. Its medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Very well integrated. Lovely ripe fruit and sweet spices on the finish. Delicious. Drink or hold.

94ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE

A barrel sample, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. leaps from glass with baked black plums, blackberry pie and black currant cordial notes plus hints of wild sage, charcuterie, tapenade and tree bark. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, the rock solid foundation well frames the broody black fruit and it finishes earthy. Barrel Sample: 93-95

92WINE SPECTATOR

Compact, with a juicy core of blackberry and black currant fruit waiting to unwind. When it does, this will have lively licorice snap and singed apple wood notes. There’s a subtle violet hint in the background to add some grace, but this has a nice sense of power overall. Best from 2021 through 2032.