2023 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Fay
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Tasting notes
Originally planted in 1961 by Nathan Fay, FAY Vineyard today encompasses 26.7 hectares planted on fine Bale gravelly clay loam and volcanic alluvium. Fermented entirely in stainless steel and aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak, the wine is beautifully dense and immensely structured, yet defined by a profound sense of freshness. Classic red-rock minerality and iron-like notes speak clearly of the site, layered with sagebrush and unsmoked tobacco. Polished and full-bodied, with satiny tannins seamlessly integrated, framing lush blue- and black-fruited depth that carries through a long, captivating finish. A compelling, site-driven expression that balances power with precision and unmistakable Stags Leap District mineral elegance.
Critic scores
Decanter World Wine Awards
Neal Martin (Vinous)
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay is fabulous. Medium in body and deep, with notable energy, the 2023 is a hugely promising wine. Dark blue/purplish fruit, menthol, licorice, cloves and graphite are all finely sketched. This gracious, elegant wine is all class.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard—tasted as a base blend still in barrel—is impressively firm and crisp, even a bit austere by comparison to the 2022. Cherries and cassis make for an appealing fruit profile, but this is oh so young and clearly needs additional élevage to round off the current edginess.
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.