Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Slv - Napa Valley 2022
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, the iconic wine estate
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is deeply rooted in Napa Valley’s wine legends. S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyard, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame with a wine crafted from three-year-old vines during the 1973 harvest.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has been jointly owned and operated by a partnership between Tuscany's Antinori family and Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle since 2007. Winemaker Marcus Notaro joined Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in 2013, arriving from another Antinori-CSM joint venture, Col Solare in Washington State. After nearly a decade, it seems clear that he's becoming more and more comfortable with the role and the local conditions.
The core of the property are the two adjoining vineyards: S.L.V., planted by Winiarski in 1970, and Fay, which Winiarski purchased from neighbor Nathan Fay in 1986. S.L.V. is the estate's darker side, with more cocoa powder and a dustier feel. Today, S.L.V vineyard encompasses roughly 35 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.5 acres of Cabernet Franc. The vineyard soil is volcanic and alluvial, with good drainage, and benefits from warm afternoons and cool evening breezes.
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.
The 2022 vintage
The 2022 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon entices the senses with its captivating aromas of dark fruits, including blackcurrants and ripe plums, beautifully intertwined with delicate notes of violets, graphite, and rich dark chocolate, all rounded o by the warmth of black tea. Flavors showcase a richness and texture that impresses from the outset. The tannins reveal a minerality that adds depth and character, while the youthful mouthfeel elevates the experience. As the wine lingers on the palate, complex layers of espresso, mocha, and dark fruit emerge, crafting a finish that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.