2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon SLV
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Tasting notes
This is really fine-textured and alluring on the palate with super polished tannins and gloriously subtle and complex fruit, such as currants and spices. Some pine needles, too. Love the silky texture and beautiful flavors at the end. Drink or hold.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. captures all the darkness and mineral-infused intensity that is so typical of this historic vineyard. Black cherry, lavender, plum, violet, spice and menthol all fill out the wine's creamy yet mid-weight frame. Deep and plush, but never heavy, the 2016 has a lot to recommend it.
A barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon S. L. V. is deep purple-black and just a little reduced at this youthful stage, offering glimpses at crushed blackberries, mulberries and warm cassis notes plus hints of tilled soil, scorched earth, tar and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals incredibly provocative and complex layers of black fruits and earthy notions, supported by a rock-solid, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
About the producer
Warren Winiarski founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1970 when he purchased the Stag’s Leap Vineyard in Napa’s Stags Leap District. The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon – only the second vintage – won the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting, rocketing the estate to fame.