The S.L.V. vineyard is the most consequential planting in California wine history. Warren Winiarski established it in 1970, and three years later fruit from those young vines produced the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, which beat Mouton Rothschild and Haut Brion at a blind tasting in Paris in 1976. That result, the Judgment of Paris, rewrote Napa Valley's international standing overnight, and every S.L.V. bottling since carries that lineage. The 2004 is also a bottle from the end of an era. Warren Winiarski still owned the estate when this wine was made, and he sold it in 2007, so this vintage belongs to the founding family's tenure rather than the current ownership. The site gives the wine its character. S.L.V. sits on volcanic soils that contribute spice, concentration and a distinct stony minerality, quite unlike the alluvial Fay vineyard next door which produces perfume and softer texture. On release the 2004 was described as restrained but complex on the nose, showing black cherry fruit laced with sandalwood, truffle and nutmeg, and firm and concentrated across the palate. At twenty one years, restraint on release usually resolves into something considerably more open, and the tertiary notes suggested by that original description, the truffle and sandalwood in particular, will have come forward. This is a fully mature wine and should be treated accordingly. Stand it upright for a day or two so sediment settles, decant carefully, and serve it promptly once open, since older Cabernet can fade in the glass faster than young wine. Pair it with roast lamb, braised beef or aged hard cheese.
ABV / Proof
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Napa Valley, California |
| Appellation |
Napa Valley |
| Vineyard |
S.L.V., planted 1970, volcanic soils |
| Producer |
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, established 1970 |
| Varietal |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage |
2004 |
| Ownership at Vintage |
Winiarski family, pre 2007 sale |
| Style |
Full bodied red, estate grown |
| Drinking Window |
Fully mature — drink now |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby moving to garnet and brick at the rim with age.
Nose: Restrained but complex, with black cherry fruit laced around sandalwood, truffle and nutmeg, with tertiary earth and cedar developed by time.
Palate: Firm and concentrated, with dark cherry and cassis over resolved tannins and a savoury, stony undertone from the volcanic site.
Finish: Long and savoury, closing on earth, dried fruit and lingering spice.
FAQ
What is S.L.V.? Stag's Leap Vineyard, the winery's first planting, established in 1970. Its volcanic soils give the wine spice, concentration and minerality.
What is its historical significance? Fruit from the young S.L.V. vines produced the 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon that beat leading Bordeaux wines at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Why does the 2004 vintage matter beyond the wine? It was produced while founder Warren Winiarski still owned the estate. He sold the winery in 2007, so this bottle comes from the founding family's tenure.
Is a 2004 still good to drink? It is fully mature at twenty one years. A well stored bottle should be drinking beautifully with developed tertiary character, but it is a wine to open now rather than cellar further, and condition matters enormously at this age.
How should I handle an older bottle? Stand it upright for a day or two before opening so sediment settles, then decant gently off the sediment. Serve promptly once open, as mature Cabernet can fade in the glass more quickly than a young wine.
Where can I buy Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
