Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Fay 2023

A stellar vintage for Napa Valley Cabernets, 2023 also marked the rise of the Antinori family to sole ownership of this historic winery, buying out Ste. Michelle’s stake (in place since 2007). In 1970 Warren Winiarski, Stag’s Leap’s founder, purchased land and planted the estate’s first vineyard adjacent to his neighbor Nathan Fay’s vines, spurred by his enjoyment of Fay’s homemade wine. The winery then earned its stripes in the Judgment of Paris tasting, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Winiarski debuted the vineyard-designate Fay bottling with the 1990 vintage, after purchasing Fay’s vineyard in 1986. It’s still going strong today, offering the most elegant profile among the winery’s top-shelf troika, including S.L.V. and Cask 23. Winemaker Marcus Notaro has been on board since 2013.

Tasting Note

This is lovely, with a slightly reserved feel to its steady, well-defined core of morello cherry and blackberry preserve notes that are inlaid prettily with savory, bay leaf and mesquite details. There’s a steady iron ping reverbing through the fine-grained finish, adding extra length. Best from 2028 through 2043. 4,400 cases made.—James Molesworth