The winery
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
An iconic Napa Valley winery, known for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and for the historic role it played in introducing California wines to the world.
- Stags Leap District, Napa Valley · United States
- Since 1970
- 7 products
The story
The winery was founded with the purchase of the S.L.V. vineyard and the establishment of the estate in the 1970s; its international renown rose when the 1973 Cabernet S.L.V. took first place in the blind tasting at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Over time the estate has expanded its vineyards and developed a range of estate and single-vineyard bottlings that have consolidated its reputation.
Production philosophy
Production focused on showcasing the character of the terroir: balanced wines combining structure and finesse, crafted to express the typicity of individual vineyards and suitable for aging.
Terroir and vineyards
Located in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley AVA, the winery works with historic vineyards such as S.L.V. and FAY, facing the Stags Leap Palisades in a climate typical of the valley, with diurnal temperature variations that favor ripening and acidity.
Awards and recognition
Winner at the 1976 Judgment of Paris with the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet; a bottle of that 1973 was included in the Smithsonian's collection.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Cabernet Franc
What makes it distinctive
- Historic success at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
- Iconic vineyards: S.L.V. and FAY, the foundation of the estate's style.
- Single-vineyard labels and the CASK 23 selection serve as the benchmark for the estate's Cabernets.
- Head winemaker Marcus Notaro and a winemaking team overseeing both whites and reds.
- Ownership and business development supported by international acquisitions.