Martin Ray
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
I pleasant surprise. Complex, layered, shows exactly what makes the SLD famous; finesse along with power. I'll buy more.
I pleasant surprise. Complex, layered, shows exactly what makes the SLD famous; finesse along with power. I'll buy more.
Jun 5th, 2017Stewed plum/blackberry fruit, with rich oak and a somewhat savory finish. Warm.
Stewed plum/blackberry fruit, with rich oak and a somewhat savory finish. Warm.
Dec 8th, 20131/2024. Medium bodied with nice flavor. Easy to drink.
1/2024. Medium bodied with nice flavor. Easy to drink.
Jan 8th, 2024Medium ruby with little cherry red flecks. Distinctively Stags Leap with notes of fresh cut violets, red cherries, and leather upfront. Some baking spice and deep dark chocolate, as well. First things first, this is way too young to open. You’re looking at around another decade before you have to start worrying but it’s still promising and pleasant right now. As huge and typical as it threatens to be, it never goes off the deep end. It retains that smoothness and lack of blinding acidity that so many other big Napa Cabs live and die by. Even at this age, it’s an approachable Cab with an hour of decanting. On the palate there’s plenty of nutmeg, dried red cherry, and blackberries. Menthol, vanilla cream, and more leather shine here. Hold this if you can but it’s still really nice right now.
Medium ruby with little cherry red flecks. Distinctively Stags Leap with notes of fresh cut violets, red cherries, and leather upfront. Some baking spice and deep dark chocolate, as well. First things first, this is way too young to open. You’re looking at around another decade before you have to start worrying but it’s still promising and pleasant right now. As huge and typical as it threatens to be, it never goes off the deep end. It retains that smoothness and lack of blinding acidity that so many other big Napa Cabs live and die by. Even at this age, it’s an approachable Cab with an hour of decanting. On the palate there’s plenty of nutmeg, dried red cherry, and blackberries. Menthol, vanilla cream, and more leather shine here. Hold this if you can but it’s still really nice right now.
Jun 22nd, 2020Full bodied Cabernet. Like drinking chocolate cake - noticeable oak, dark fruit, tobacco. Tasty, especially on its own, but needed more acidity to cut steak.
Full bodied Cabernet. Like drinking chocolate cake - noticeable oak, dark fruit, tobacco. Tasty, especially on its own, but needed more acidity to cut steak.
Apr 21st, 2018Needs time. But a solid 91 pop n pour.
91+ points
Needs time. But a solid 91 pop n pour.
91+ points
Very nice for a 2015 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. May be better to hold for a couple years.
Very nice for a 2015 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. May be better to hold for a couple years.
Feb 18th, 2018