Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The FAY Vineyard, established in 1961 by Nathan Fay, holds a special place in Napa Valley history as the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District. The vineyard’s iron-rich volcanic soils and cooler climate create wines with a voluptuous perfume, supple red and black fruit tones, and a fine-grained texture.

The 2019 vintage utilized grapes from key blocks, including 2C, 6, 8, 3B, 3A, 5A, and 2B, each contributing unique elements of structure, aromatics, and texture to the wine.

Winemaking

The 2019 growing season began with a wet spring that increased canopy growth and reduced yields due to shatter during bloom. Careful vineyard management ensured balanced canopies and optimal fruit exposure. A long growing season with ideal summer conditions allowed for extended ripening, resulting in a wine with richness and complexity.

The wine underwent fermentation in 100% stainless steel tanks, followed by 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels, this vintage demonstrates a meticulous barrel selection process designed to enhance the unique characteristics of the vineyard. The 2019 FAY was released in May 2022, with a production of 2,700 cases.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with brilliant clarity.
• Aromas: Fragrant notes of raspberry, boysenberry, and hints of jasmine, gardenia, and nutmeg.
• Palate: Vibrant and lively, with polished tannins, a juicy mid-palate, and a silky finish bursting with red fruits and berries.

Did you know?

The FAY Vineyard is where Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars began its journey. In 1969, tasting Nathan Fay’s homemade Cabernet inspired Warren Winiarski to purchase neighboring land and create wines that would compete with the world’s finest, leading to the creation of the legendary Judgment of Paris winner.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Baby back ribs with saba glaze: Enhances the wine’s red fruit and silky texture.
• Maple soy glazed salmon: Balances the wine’s vibrant acidity and floral notes.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Complements the wine’s rich fruit and polished tannins.

History of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

The history of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars began in 1970, when Warren Winiarski, a Harvard-educated philosophy professor turned winemaker, recognized the potential of a small prune orchard in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Inspired by the region’s volcanic soils and unique microclimate, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon and set out to create wines that combined power, elegance, and terroir expression.

Winiarski’s vision bore fruit in 1973, with the first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the S.L.V. vineyard (Stag's Leap Vineyard). Just three years later, this wine achieved global fame when it was declared the winner of the Judgment of Paris blind tasting in 1976, where it triumphed over some of France's most esteemed Bordeaux wines. This pivotal moment is widely regarded as a turning point in the history of Napa Valley, proving that California wines could rival the best in the world.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars expanded its reputation, refining its winemaking techniques and earning acclaim for its estate wines, particularly Cask 23, a blend of the finest lots from the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards. These wines became benchmarks for the Stags Leap District, a region officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1989, with the winery playing a leading role in its establishment.

In 2007, the winery entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Antinori Family Estates, two world-renowned producers who brought their expertise and global perspective to the estate. Despite the change in ownership, the winery has maintained its focus on producing wines that express the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. Today, under the leadership of Winemaker Marcus Notaro, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars continues to honor its rich history while innovating for the future.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, the estate spans 97 hectares (240 acres), with three renowned vineyards:

• S.L.V. (Stag’s Leap Vineyard): Known for its volcanic soils, contributing structure and intensity to the wines.
• FAY: Famous for its alluvial soils, producing wines with lush fruit, elegance, and a perfumed bouquet.
• Arcadia Vineyard: Located in Coombsville, this site focuses on Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, offering vibrant and mineral-driven wines.

The Stags Leap District AVA benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm days that ensure ripeness and cool nights that preserve acidity and freshness. The region’s unique combination of volcanic and alluvial soils creates wines with both power and finesse.

Wine Range of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is celebrated for its exceptional range of wines, including:

• Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon: A flagship wine blending the finest blocks of S.L.V. and FAY, known for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.
• S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon: A bold, structured wine with dark fruit and mineral notes from volcanic soils.
• FAY Cabernet Sauvignon: A lush and aromatic wine showcasing red fruit and floral elegance.
• Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon: A blend of estate-grown and Napa-sourced fruit, offering approachability and balance.
• Karia Chardonnay: A vibrant and fresh Chardonnay with mineral-driven character.

Did you know?

The Judgment of Paris in 1976, where Stag's Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won, is often credited as the moment that put Napa Valley on the map. It marked the first time a California wine outshone its French counterparts in a prestigious blind tasting.