At a glance

Producer

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (with smaller proportions of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60–$75 USD per 750ml bottle (as of mid-2024)

Tasting profile

Aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, subtle vanilla, baking spice, and a hint of toasted oak; palate is medium-full with ripe dark fruits, cocoa, espresso, and integrated oak spices; smooth finish with vibrant acidity

Evolution: Fruits will shift towards dried and compote characteristics, tannins will soften further, oak will integrate, and tertiary notes (cedar, leather, earth) will emerge

At peak: At peak, expect harmonious integration of fruit, oak, and secondary/tertiary notes, with supple texture and a longer, more nuanced finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium, providing freshness and structure; will help preserve vibrancy as tertiary notes develop

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, fine-grained, currently firm but beginning to soften, becoming rounder with age

Alcohol

Moderate to high (typically 14–14.5%), balanced well with fruit and structure; integration will improve further with aging

Aging potential

7–10 years from vintage (through 2027–2030 depending on storage and preferences)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

Approachable now, but will benefit from short to medium-term aging

Current condition

Youthfully vibrant, showing expressive fruit and polished tannins

The 2026–2029 peak window reflects the period when tannins will have softened optimally without loss of fruit vibrancy. Complexity increases as primary fruit notes integrate with subtle oak and nascent tertiary aromas/flavors. After peak, fruit will diminish, and earthier, less vibrant notes will dominate.

Food pairing

Excellent with grilled or pan-seared steak, lamb chops, duck breast, roasted mushrooms, or hard aged cheeses. As the wine matures, pair with richer, savory dishes with umami depth—braised short ribs, beef stew, mushroom risotto—as tannins mellow and tertiary notes emerge.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to medium-plus tannins that are currently firm but beginning to soften, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its flavors and aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sustainable vineyard management, judicious water use, integrated pest management, cover crops, reduced chemical input

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars follows sustainable practices and holds reputable local certifications; ongoing progress toward lower impact, but footprint typical for premium Napa producers.