In many ways, the Stags Leap AVA embodies everything the Napa Valley is most celebrated for: a heterogeneous mixture of soils, elevation and climactic influences, with a steady Mediterranean climate. This area also avoids some of the clichéd criticism of too much traffic, flash and cash often lobbed at the
The color is beautiful, almost completely opaque at the center, and sparkling like rubies at the edges. The nose only teases at what is to come, leading with milk chocolate, then dark chocolate and a touch of espresso. A deeper pull reveals blueberries baking in a pie and hints of
Another gorgeous wine from Shafer. The color is deep and dark. Rich fruits explode on the nose, blueberries and blackberries, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, blackberry, elderberry, dark chocolate and a hint of espresso lead, with highlights of raspberry singing out on the mid-palate. Tannins offer a
Warren Winiarski tells the story, almost 40 years later, and there is still enthusiasm in his voice. He was at his parents' home on Chicago's West Side when his wife called from California. “They had a tasting in France,” she told him on that day toward the end of May
Stag's Leap fruit shines in this young 10-year old Cabernet. The nose is rich with black currant, plum, and tobacco. The nose's promise is met on the palate, where black currant, black plum, and tobacco are joined by leather and licorice on the mid-palate. Silky tannins with great grip give
In a roomful of powerhouse producers, in a region full of icons, it's always nice to find a hidden gem - and a great story more than 40 years in the making. I first met Mario Bazán at Premier Napa Valley last February. The annual event, which takes place at
A person made this. It will restore your faith in humanity. This is consistently one of the best wines from Stag's Leap, one of the best AVAs in Napa Valley. Shafer's Hillside Select gives you all the depth you can hope for in a Napa Valley Cabernet, but adds the