S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with complex flavors and a rich history.
About this wine
The 1985 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offers a deep garnet color, indicative of its age. On the nose, it presents aromas of ripe cherries, cassis, and subtle hints of French oak spice. The palate reveals layers of mature flavors, including blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and a touch of earthiness, all balanced by firm, fine-grained tannins. This wine's rich texture and long, satisfying finish reflect the exceptional quality of the 1985 vintage. Notably, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put Napa Valley on the global wine map.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners. In Napa Valley, this varietal found an ideal environment, particularly in the Stags Leap District, where unique volcanic soils contribute to the grape's distinctive character. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' S.L.V. vineyard, established in 1970, gained international acclaim when its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over esteemed French wines in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, highlighting the exceptional quality of Napa's Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1985 vintage continued this legacy, showcasing the vineyard's commitment to producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Quick facts
- 🏆 The 1985 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars hails from the same vineyard that produced the 1973 vintage, which famously won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting where it bested top French Bordeaux wines.
- 🌋 The S.L.V. vineyard, planted in 1970, is renowned for its volcanic soils, contributing to the wine's distinctive structure, minerality, and concentrated dark fruit flavors.
- 🪵 The 1985 vintage of this wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and aging potential.
- 🍇 The 1985 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, showcasing the varietal's pure expression from this esteemed vineyard.
- ☀️ The 1985 vintage was part of a stellar year for California wines, characterized by a warm, dry summer and cool nights, which helped retain acidity and develop balanced flavors.
Palate profile
Producer
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski in Napa Valley, California, gained international acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, surpassing esteemed French wines. This victory was pivotal in establishing Napa Valley as a premier wine region. The winery's estate includes the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards, with the latter being the first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in the Stags Leap District. In 2007, the winery was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori, continuing its legacy of producing world-class wines.
