Wines of the Stags Leap District

Cliff Lede, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Fresh fruit and new oak leap from the glass when you smell this wine. In the mouth the tannins are polished making this Cab approachable now. The length is great. With time though, the oak will further integrate making this worth waiting 3-4 years before opening. Produced and bottled in Yountville 15.2% purchased for $51.69 at Bottle Barn Cliff Lede Vineyards

Steltzner Vineyards, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Estate Grown, Cabernet Franc 2005 This is an earthy and chewy wine, with a complementary level of brett and no trace of herbaceousness. Estate grown, produced and bottled in Napa 14.3% $42 at the winery, a gift to the class from the SFCWC Steltzner Vineyards

Chimney Rock, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 There’s plenty of toasty oak, sweet vanilla, black fruit and ample structure. The acidity carries the Cassis a long way – very nice and still a baby. P&B in Napa 14.2% purchased got $45.99 at Bottle Barn Chimney Rock Winery

Pine Ridge, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Give this some air as it starts out uncharacteristically stinky. With time that revolves and the ripeness of the fruit comes through. In the mouth this Cab is quite dense, packed with flavor while the tannins are ripe and velvelty – nice. Besides the Cabernet Sauvignon there is also some Petit Verdot and Merlot in the final blend. Winemaker Stacy Clark. P&B in Napa 14.1% purchased for $65.99 at Bottle Barn Pine Ridge

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
This entry was posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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