Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Winery Background and History

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, established in 1970, gained international acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that elevated Napa Valley to global prominence. Located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, the winery is renowned for producing elegant and balanced Cabernet Sauvignons that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The FAY Vineyard, named after Nathan Fay who first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the area in 1961, was acquired by the winery in 1986 and has since been integral to their portfolio.

Producer and Winemaker

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars operates under the guidance of winemaker Marcus Notaro, who brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of Napa Valley’s terroir. Notaro’s philosophy focuses on creating wines that balance richness with elegance, capturing the essence of the vineyard while showcasing the varietal’s character. His meticulous approach ensures that each vintage of FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon reflects both the winery’s legacy and the unique conditions of the growing season.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The FAY Vineyard is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, characterized by alluvial soils with good drainage, contributing to the development of complex flavors in the grapes. The region’s unique microclimate, influenced by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay, offers warm days and cool nights, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon with balanced acidity and ripe tannins. This terroir imparts distinctive characteristics to the wine, including vibrant fruit flavors and a refined structure.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2019 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon underwent meticulous vinification processes to preserve the integrity of the fruit and express the vineyard’s unique terroir. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak, for approximately 20 months. This aging process enhances the wine’s complexity, integrating oak nuances with the rich fruit profile, and contributes to a well-structured and harmonious wine.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon delivers fragrant aromas of ripe raspberry and boysenberry, complemented by hints of jasmine, gardenia, and nutmeg. On the palate, it offers a lively mouthfeel with polished tannins, a juicy mid-palate, and a silky finish bursting with red fruits and berries. This wine showcases the hallmark elegance and finesse associated with the FAY Vineyard. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with dishes such as baby back ribs with saba glaze, maple-soy glazed salmon, or eggplant parmesan. The wine’s vibrant acidity and refined tannins complement the richness of these dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the 2019 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 16-18°C (61-64°F). Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes before serving can help open up its aromas and flavors, providing a more expressive tasting experience. Using appropriate glassware, such as a Bordeaux-style glass, will further enhance the wine’s characteristics.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2019 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully over the next 15 to 20 years. When stored in optimal conditions—a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity—the wine will develop additional complexity, with tertiary aromas and flavors emerging over time, rewarding those who choose to cellar it.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 100%

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The alcohol content of the 2019 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is 14.8%. 

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 100

• Wine Spectator: 93

• Wine Advocate: 92+

• James Suckling: 95

• Jeb Dunnuck: 97