2020 Cabernet Sauvignon SLV
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is more focused and firm, with slightly muted cassis and graphite aromatics as well as notes of scorched earth, crushed stone, and a kiss of violets. It too has nicely integrated background oak, building, firm, yet ripe tannins, and a good, although not great finish. There's plenty to like here, and while It's not obviously smoked, it certainly is slightly muted and closed, with the firmer tannins giving me pause.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is very nicely done for the year. Imposing tannins are tough to ignore, but all the S.L.V. signatures are present. The only open question is if the tannins will ever soften. Given the wine's mid-weight structure, I don't see that as the most likely outcome here. Even so, the 2020 is certainly solid.
Black cherries, raspberries and cassis—just oodles of fruit—dominate the nose of the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. It's ripe and opulent up front, full-bodied and supple at first, then it adds tannin all along the palate, finishing with a rush of dusty tannins and a bit of astringency. Give it a few years in the cellar, and hold it up to 15 years if you can wait.
Aromas of ripe black and blue fruit with hints of toast, ground spices, cherry chocolate and walnut. Full-bodied, spiced and toasty with firm, compact and long-lasting tannins. It has a bed of dark fruit flavors with dark spices and earthy undertones and a lingering, velvety finish. Try from 2026.
About the producer
Warren Winiarski founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1970 when he purchased the Stag’s Leap Vineyard in Napa’s Stags Leap District. The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon – only the second vintage – won the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting, rocketing the estate to fame.