Winemaker Notes
Embodying the luxurious charm and sophistication of great Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers aromas of elderberry, black raspberry, cassis and dark chocolate, with hints of bay leaf and allspice. On the palate it marries velvety tannins with voluptuous flavors of blackberry jam, blueberry and black tea as they build to a long, dynamic finish.
Production
Despite an unusually dry winter and warm spring, budbreak was delayed due to light rain in March. The overall lack of rainfall led to light clusters and small berries, which resulted in reduced yields and great concentration. Harvest began on August 5th with Semillon, and early heat generated a fast and furious first few weeks of picking. A much-needed mid-September cool-down allowed for sugars to realign with flavor development. Moderate temperatures continued throughout the rest of the season, providing additional hangtime for the grapes. Our last red grapes were harvested before the rains in late October, resulting in beautiful wines that are dense, pure and polished.