Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Fay Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.414 ratings
9.54 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Severn Goodwin

2002; Mother's Day 2022.

Please see prior notes, still on point. Paired to grilled ribeyes, perfection for wine and a crusty steak.

2002; Mother's Day 2022.

Please see prior notes, still on point. Paired to grilled ribeyes, perfection for wine and a crusty steak.

May 8th, 2022
Severn Goodwin

We recently pulled some cases out of storage, which haven't seen the light of day for nearly 15 years, so I'll have some fun posts in the next several months.

Nose has very dusty blackberry, old leather, over-ripe blueberry, black currant, dry lavender, charred cedar plank and moist garden soil.

Palate has cedar cigar box, vanilla, dried cherry, dried raspberry, dried blackberry, mild prune, ripe blackberry, dark chocolate powder, old black licorice candy and (light) decaying leaves with light, but persistent tannins.

5 hours decant, more time appreciated

Added to cellar inventory 5 February 2006.

SLWC Vineyard Notes on FAY 2002:
"FAY was originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1961, the introduction of the varietal to the area now designated as the Stags Leap District. When we acquired the property from Nathan Fay in 1986 many of the vines were therefore over a quarter-century old. The replanting of most of this historic vineyard was completed in the mid-1990s, and those vines are now in their prime, producing an abundance of excellent fruit with the rich flavor and elegant texture that have always characterized FAY Cabernet. But the old vines of Block 8 planted by Fay in 1973, and a source of expressive fruit that is a key component of CASK 23 were not removed until after the 2002 harvest. The 2002 vintage is therefore one of the last to include fruit from the original Block 8."

We recently pulled some cases out of storage, which haven't seen the light of day for nearly 15 years, so I'll have some fun posts in the next several months.

Nose has very dusty blackberry, old leather, over-ripe blueberry, black currant, dry lavender, charred cedar plank and moist garden soil.

Palate has cedar cigar box, vanilla, dried cherry, dried raspberry, dried blackberry, mild prune, ripe blackberry, dark chocolate powder, old black licorice candy and (light) decaying leaves with light, but persistent tannins.

5 hours decant, more time appreciated

Added to cellar inventory 5 February 2006.

SLWC Vineyard Notes on FAY 2002:
"FAY was originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1961, the introduction of the varietal to the area now designated as the Stags Leap District. When we acquired the property from Nathan Fay in 1986 many of the vines were therefore over a quarter-century old. The replanting of most of this historic vineyard was completed in the mid-1990s, and those vines are now in their prime, producing an abundance of excellent fruit with the rich flavor and elegant texture that have always characterized FAY Cabernet. But the old vines of Block 8 planted by Fay in 1973, and a source of expressive fruit that is a key component of CASK 23 were not removed until after the 2002 harvest. The 2002 vintage is therefore one of the last to include fruit from the original Block 8."

Apr 11th, 2020
James Webb

Beginning to show softer tertiary notes. More spice and nuance. Excellent fruit still abides. Good transition across the palette and fully integrated tannins.

Beginning to show softer tertiary notes. More spice and nuance. Excellent fruit still abides. Good transition across the palette and fully integrated tannins.

Jul 2nd, 2017
Richard Steinberg

Still young with great fruit and structure

Still young with great fruit and structure

Jan 10th, 2015
Xavier Valero

Chocolate mocha raspberry great fruit. Can last another 3 yrs.

Chocolate mocha raspberry great fruit. Can last another 3 yrs.

Jan 4th, 2014
Robin Kelley O'Connor

Educator Italian Wine Merchants

9.3

Robin had this 9 years ago

Robin had this 9 years ago

Jun 1st, 2015
Chuck Landers

Chuck had this 10 years ago

Chuck had this 10 years ago

May 15th, 2015
Travis J. Sousa

Travis had this 10 years ago

Travis had this 10 years ago

Mar 8th, 2015
Bob Osuch

Bob had this 10 years ago

Bob had this 10 years ago

Sep 6th, 2014
Michael Smith

Michael had this 11 years ago

Michael had this 11 years ago

Mar 20th, 2014