Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: The Winery That Changed the World Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a true icon of American winemaking. It gained global immortality in 1976 when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon stunned the world by defeating the top French Bordeaux in the famous "Judgment of Paris" tasting. This historic victory proved that Napa Valley could produce world-class wines, forever changing the global wine landscape. A Foundation of Visionary Terroir Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, the estate is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, an area renowned for its unique volcanic soils and the cooling influences of the San Pablo Bay. Winiarski’s vision was to create a wine that expressed "an iron fist in a velvet glove"—a perfect balance of structural power and refined elegance. The Estate Vineyards: FAY and S.L.V. The soul of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars lies in its two historic estate vineyards, each offering a distinct personality: FAY Vineyard: Originally planted by Nathan Fay in 1961, this was the first vineyard in the district to be planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for producing wines with lush fruit, silken tannins, and beautiful floral aromatics. S.L.V. (Stag’s Leap Vineyard): The site of the original 1970 plantings, this vineyard’s volcanic soils yield wines with great structure, mineral depth, and dark fruit complexity. It was an S.L.V. bottle that won the 1976 Paris tasting. Why Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a Must for GrapeYear For the GrapeYear community, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars represents the ultimate intersection of history and modern prestige. Collector Status: Their Estate Cabs are "Blue Chip" wines, essential for any serious cellar due to their incredible aging potential and historical significance. The "CASK 23" Legend: This flagship wine is a marriage of the finest lots from both FAY and S.L.V. vineyards. It is produced only in exceptional years and represents the absolute pinnacle of Napa Valley craftsmanship. Stewardship: The winery continues to lead through sustainable farming and precision winemaking, ensuring that the legendary terroir of the Stags Leap District is preserved for future generations. The Iconic Portfolio: Elegance and Power CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon: The legendary flagship. A rare blend that combines the perfume and grace of FAY with the power and structure of S.L.V. S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: A wine defined by its "earthy" core, fire-toasted oak notes, and incredible longevity. FAY Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Often described as the most "feminine" of the estate wines, celebrated for its vibrant berry fruit and velvety texture. Artemis: Named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, this Napa Valley Cabernet is a favorite among enthusiasts for its approachability, offering a wonderful introduction to the house style.