Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | 14.1% ABV | 750mL | Napa Valley, California | 86% Cabernet Sauvignon | 19 Months Oak Aging

Process & Profile

Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a polished Napa Valley red from the historic Stags’ Leap Winery, crafted with fruit selected primarily from cooler vineyard sites along the valley floor and southern Napa Valley. The current release is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Tannat, creating additional depth and complexity while keeping Cabernet Sauvignon firmly at the center of the wine.

Following fermentation and an extended three-to-four-week maceration, the wine is aged for 19 months in oak, including 25% new French oak with the remainder in neutral French and American barrels. This restrained oak program allows the fruit to remain expressive while adding vanilla, spice, and structure to its red and dark berry character.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Raspberry, red currant, blackberry, warm spice, sweet oak, mint, sage, vanilla, clove, violet, and red rose.

• Palate: Juicy red berries followed by plush black cherry and blackberry with subtle tea leaf, floral, and savory notes.

• Finish: Silky and balanced with allspice, lingering florals, fine tannins, and polished oak.

What Makes It Special

• Produced by Stags’ Leap Winery, one of Napa Valley’s historic Cabernet Sauvignon producers.

• Sourced from select Napa Valley vineyards, with an emphasis on cooler valley-floor and southern Napa sites.

• The current release features 86% Cabernet Sauvignon supported by small amounts of complementary Bordeaux and California red varieties.

• Aged for 19 months in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak.

• Only 25% new French oak is used, helping preserve freshness and fruit rather than overwhelming the wine with oak.

• Offers the structure expected from Napa Cabernet while maintaining freshness, aromatic complexity, and approachable tannins.

How to Enjoy

Serve Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at approximately 60°F–65°F. Allowing the wine to breathe before serving can help reveal additional berry, floral, spice, and oak character. Its combination of dark fruit, acidity, and structured tannins makes it an excellent pairing for grilled steak, prime rib, braised short ribs, lamb, roasted mushrooms, aged cheeses, and other savory dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?
   Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium Napa Valley red wine produced by Stags’ Leap Winery, combining Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of complementary red varieties for added depth, structure, and complexity.

2. What does Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
   Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers raspberry, red currant, blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, clove, warm spice, floral notes, and polished oak with a silky, structured finish.

3. How is Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged?
   The current Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 19 months in oak, including 25% new French oak with the remainder matured in neutral French and American oak barrels.

4. What food pairs well with Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?
   Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pairs especially well with grilled steak, prime rib, braised beef, lamb, roasted mushrooms, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

5. Where can I buy Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?
   Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is available directly from The Barrel Tap, a trusted online source for premium Napa Valley wines and fine spirits.