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 in a blind tasting held in Paris in 1976. That result, the Judgment of Paris, transformed Napa Valley's international standing overnight. The 2008 marks the thirty fifth vintage since that win, which the winery noted at the time of release. The site itself explains the wine. S.L.V. sits on volcanic soils that contribute spice, concentration and a distinct minerality, quite different from the alluvial Fay vineyard next door which gives perfume and softer texture. For this vintage each block was vinified and aged separately in small French oak barrels for twenty months, with the lots blended only in the later stages of ageing, which preserves the individual character of the vineyard sections. On release the wine was described as rich and generous, opening with crushed blackberry and ripe plum accented by anise, fennel and cedar, full bodied and supple with a texture likened to dark chocolate covered caramel with sea salt. Critics found dark plums, black cherries, smoke, liquorice and tar with real intensity and depth, and rated it among the more complete wines of its vintage. This is now a mature bottle at seventeen years, and it should be treated as one: stand it upright for a day, decant carefully off any sediment, and drink it rather than hold it. Serve with braised lamb shanks or pork tenderloin with rosemary.
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 |
100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage |
2008 |
| Maturation |
20 months in small French oak barrels, blocks vinified and aged separately |
| Style |
Full bodied red, estate grown |
| Drinking Window |
Mature — drink now |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby, showing garnet at the rim with age.
Nose: Crushed blackberry and ripe plum lead, accented by anise, fennel and cedar, with smoke, liquorice and tar developing behind.
Palate: Full bodied and supple, with dark plum, black cherry and cassis over ripe sweet tannins, and a texture reminiscent of dark chocolate covered caramel with sea salt.
Finish: Long and layered, closing on dark fruit, spice and a lingering mineral note.
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. The 2008 is the thirty fifth vintage since that result.
Is a 2008 still good to drink? Yes, but it is fully mature at seventeen years rather than young. Critics originally projected drinking through the early 2020s, so this should be opened and enjoyed rather than cellared further, and it will show best from a well stored bottle.
How should I handle an older bottle? Stand it upright for a day before opening so any sediment settles, then decant carefully. Older Cabernet can also fade in the glass faster than a young wine, so serve it promptly once open.
How was it made? Each vineyard block was vinified and aged separately in small French oak barrels for twenty months, with the barrel lots blended only in the later stages of ageing.
Where can I buy Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
