Stag's Leap Fay Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021

First planted in 1961, the Fay vineyard is one of Napa Valley's most storied Cabernet sites - and the 2021 vintage shows it at its most refined. A long, steady growing season brought perfectly balanced fruit, allowing purity and structure to shine through. Sheltered by the Stags Leap cliffs and rooted in well-drained alluvial soils, the vineyard favours finesse over brute force. Fermentation took place in stainless steel, followed by ageing in French oak - just over half of it new - adding shape and polish without overwhelming the fruit. Expect aromas of blackcurrant, violet and graphite, followed by ripe plum, cherry, cedar and a hint of mocha on the palate. The tannins are firm but integrated, the acidity bright and clean. A wine that invites patience and reflection - elegantly judged, and among the most graceful expressions this site has produced in recent years.

Beginning to open up now but will improve steadily through to the late 2030s. Best with classic beef, venison or rich mushroom dishes that highlight its structure and depth.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shot to international fame in 1976 when its Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over Bordeaux's best at the now-legendary Judgment of Paris. It was a landmark moment - not just for the winery, but for Napa Valley as a whole. Founded only four years earlier by Warren Winiarski, who had previously worked under Robert Mondavi, the estate quickly became a standard-bearer for elegance and structure in California Cabernet.
Situated in the Stags Leap District AVA in eastern Napa, the winery's iconic SLV and Fay vineyards lie on volcanic and alluvial soils, bringing intensity and finesse to the wines. Though the Paris tasting is now firmly in the history books, the ambition and attention to detail that sparked it all remain unchanged. Today, Stag's Leap continues to craft age-worthy Cabernets with balance, precision and a style that speaks clearly of their distinctive Napa origins.