If you love New World Cabernet Sauvignon, odds are very high that Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District is on your super short list of go to Appellations. Napa is blessed with a handful of distinct areas for growing high end Cab. Even within that small group, Stags Leap stands apart. Tasted side by side with other neighboring AVAs, the Cabernet’s of Stags Leap District are unmistakable.
For a number of years now the Stags Leap District Winegrowers have been assembling the Appellation Collection. It’s a luxury set of one Cabernet Sauvignon from each producer. The 2017 vintage is represented this year by 17 Cabernets in one set. There are a limited number of sets available. They can be purchased exclusively through the Stags Leap District website. The retail price, shipping included is $1999.99.
I’ve been fortunate to visit Stags Leap District many times over the years. I’ve tasted their wines on the regular, and had the opportunity to attend their signature events and spend time with the winemakers and owners. This is a group fiercely proud of their valley, their district, and perhaps most of all their Cabernet Sauvignon. Ample reason exists for their pride; the Cabernet’s of Stags Leap stand up next to any on the world stage turning the comparison not into a competition of quality, but simply one of personal preference.
Over the last handful of years I’ve had a few opportunities to taste the entire Appellation Collection. It was, to say the least, a delicious undertaking. What struck me the most though tasting through is the consistency of quality that exists. Vintages vary of course, but the quality is always there with these wines. This year being a lot different than those before it, I was able to get together over Zoom and taste a quartet of wines from this years collection. The virtual get together and tasting was led by representatives from Silverado Vineyards, Regusci Winery, Clos Du Val, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. I look forward to getting back to Stags Leap District, but in the meantime the virtual tasting was a great way to hear about current events in the district and taste some great wine.
Silverado Vineyards 2017 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Jon Emmerich has been leading the charge in the cellar for coming up on 30 years. SOLO is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon and the fruit source is the vines surrounding the winery itself. Dark fruit leads the aromatic charge along with wisps of spice. The palate shows off black cherry and raspberry along with bits of chicory A dusting of baker’s chocolate, mineral notes and a a kiss of toast drive the long finish.
Regusci Winery 2017 “The Elders” Cabernet Sauvignon
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Cabernet Franc (7%), and Merlot (2%) are bended in. Boysenberry and blackberry aromas lead the way. The flavors are also dark and brooding, with power and grace, Dark chocolate, mission fig and baker’s spices are in abundance on the long finish.
Clos Du Val 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondele Vineyard
This offering is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the fruit comes from four specific blocks. Black plum and spice aromas lead the charge. The palate has black raspberry, blueberry and a continuing thread of spiciness. Chicory and toasty oak notes are part of the long, textured finish.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2017 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop (1.5%) of Cabernet Franc blended in. The aromas and flavors here lean more to red fruits. Fresh strawberries, cherries and plum are of note. Bits of of pie crust and subtle savory herbs are present too. Wisps of darker fruit peek out on the long finish in addition to a gentle kiss of chicory.
These four wines are a terrific snapshot into Stags Leap District. Head over to the website and grab yourself a set before they’re gone. Last I heard there were only a couple dozen left!