Estate Stags Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

I followed this over two days. It was initially opened alongside a 2016 Maybach Materium, 2013 Kapscandy Roberta’s Reserve, 2002 Colgin Cariad and a 2006 Dalla Valle Maya.

Aside from BV’s Guest Cottage, this is the only wine from them I haven’t had. Sporting almost a 16%ABV, it poured like motor oil in to the glass. Thick, rich and heady aromatics. This has that classic high quality Napa cab smell to it...smells of expensive toasted oak, espresso, fondue dipped dark fruits, and spiced nutmeg. A meal by itself on the palate, this is a 2013 that is unsurprisingly massive and in need of food to cut through the tannins. Dark initially before it turns slightly red fruit forward at the finish...dark cocoa topped black cherries, espresso sweetness, and black currant. I’d hold at this point. Not sure a decant is doing much at this stage.

Early valentines for Anne-Marie and I. We loathe the prix-fixe c’mon sheep Valentines rush. Surprised her with the bouquet, and this gem of a gift from @Martin G Rivard!
We went to Jean Georges at Pound Ridge, and shared the bottle with the tables either side of us - they also loved the wine. It’s big, bold and luscious. So infectious. Martin, can’t thank you enuf.

Wow! @Martin G Rivard thank you!

When Anne-Marie tasted this, she was in raptures - @Martin G Rivard, thank you so much for this gem!
Huge extraction, ultra rich presentation. The nose is dominated with maraschino cherries, blueberry jam, and a whiff of talcum powder.
The palette is stunning. Dense and in-your-face. Tannins keep pumping. This exemplar presented so well. A head-spinner. Thanks so much, Martin!!!

@Mike R @Carl Fischer @Ron R @Joe Lucca @David L Believe me when I say that it was an absolute toss up between the Beau Vigne Estate and the Morlet "Coeur de Vallee". The Beau Vigne Estate came in 2nd with the Width of a hair. It was Magnificent. Marilyn Monroe wasn't as full bodied as this beauty!! Enjoyed from a 1.5L and it was blew us away. A nose that enticed you to relish in it's opulence. Deep dark blue and black fruit. You could truly tell that drinking this one sip at a time was going to be a Hedonistic experience. It was beyond perfect in the Front, Mid and Back Palate. We found ourselves taking minutes between sips due to it's Marathon Length finish. Why 2nd place you may ask By the slightest of margins?? I think this may be a 100 point wine in a few years. without a doubt it is THAT GOOD!!
The Morlet wasn't as big and boisterous BUT it have the edge in regards to Balance and being well rounded at this time. The blind tasting reveals which wine is best now & not which will be best in the future. It was AWESOME to discuss these as the night went on!!

Simply one of the greatest wines from Napa ever. Decanted for 4 hrs before dinner and it was spectacular! Dark fruits that excite beautiful finish. Exceptional!

This is a brilliant, textbook example of a Napa cab. Requires little description. Black as the night in the glass. Rich, layered nose. Palette is plush and dense. Finish has a long, velvety tail. This will age, but you'd be mad to leave em.
@Martin G Rivard - thanks to Christine and yourself for this exceptional gift.

I never got to taste this over the last three days - making up for lost time now. This goes toe-to-toe with the Realm. The difference between the wines is in the blend. BV is 95% cab, with a dollop of cab franc. It's stunning with huge depth and presence. Exceptional oak treatment is joined by sweet tobacco and kirsch liqueur. Finishes exotic and sweet. Outstanding.

Mmm,,,

Thanks @Martin G Rivard . This was delicious!!