Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Winery Background and History

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, founded 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 wines to global prominence. The winery is renowned for producing elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons that reflect the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. The FAY Vineyard, established by Nathan Fay in 1961 as the first Cabernet Sauvignon planting in the area, was acquired by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1986, further enhancing the winery’s esteemed portfolio.

Producer and Winemaker

Under the leadership of winemaker Marcus Notaro, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars continues its legacy of crafting wines that balance richness with elegance. Notaro’s extensive experience and deep understanding of Napa Valley’s terroir guide his meticulous approach to winemaking, ensuring that each vintage authentically expresses the character of the vineyard and the varietal.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The FAY Vineyard is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, characterized by alluvial soils with excellent 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 2018 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation occurred entirely, enhancing the wine’s texture and complexity. The wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels, carefully selected to complement the vineyard’s unique characteristics and add subtle layers of flavor.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon offers fragrant aromas of boysenberry, cherry pie, cassis, sweet spice, and a touch of gardenia. On the palate, the wine has a velvety mouthfeel with a well-balanced structure supported by lush, polished tannins and flavors of blackberry and blueberry. The finish is long and elegant, showcasing the wine’s finesse and depth.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with dishes such as Thai peanut and shrimp salad, savory plum tart with goat cheese, or herb-crusted lamb chops with creamy polenta. 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 2018 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, serve it 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 2018 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 2018 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is 14.5%.

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 94

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 93-95 (barrel sample)

• Wine Enthusiast: 94

• James Suckling: 95