Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, compelling backstory, or the simple joy it brings in the glass. This week’s feature, the 2014 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V., delivers all of that and more. It’s not just a remarkable tasting experience—it’s a taste of history, rooted in one of Napa Valley’s most iconic vineyards.
Planted in 1970, the Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.) quickly made its mark. Just three years later, the 1973 vintage stunned the world, earning first place among prestigious Bordeaux wines at the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris. That blind tasting didn’t just disrupt the status quo—it reshaped the global perception of California wine. Tasting the 2014 vintage is like reaching back to that pivotal moment, savoring a legacy of vision, courage, and place that still echoes nearly 50 years later.
A Legacy Continued
In 2007, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars began a new chapter when it was acquired by a joint venture between Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the Antinori family, one of Italy’s most esteemed winemaking dynasties with roots stretching back over six centuries. Under their stewardship, the winery has honored its historic legacy while investing in innovation—ensuring that wines like the S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon remain benchmarks of quality and terroir expression.
And while Warren Winiarski, the winery’s founder, stepped away from day-to-day operations, his influence endures. Beyond crafting the wine that helped put Napa Valley on the world map, Winiarski has mentored countless winemakers and championed sustainable viticulture and land conservation. Through the Winiarski Family Foundation, he continues to support viticultural research, education, and efforts to preserve Napa’s agricultural lands for future generations.
Winiarski’s impact transcends a single vintage. It lives on in every thoughtful bottle, in every inspired winemaker, and in the land he’s helped protect.
Tasting note: Medium garnet color with enticing cassis, ripe black cherry, blackberry jam, and plum, layered with vanilla, leather, mocha, spice, dried violets, and a kiss of graphilte. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, and impeccably balanced with bright acidity and suave tannins. It shows delicious cassis, black cherry, subtle blackberry, vanilla, mocha, spice flavors accented with a very appealing graphite minerality. The finish is long, layered, and utterly satisfying. 14.5% abv| A generous gift from a wine-loving friend. 93pts
Closing thoughts
The 2014 S.L.V. isn’t just a wine—it’s a conversation with history, a tribute to a vineyard that changed the trajectory of American wine, and a reminder of the passion and purpose that drives truly great winemaking. Whether you’re a student of Napa’s heritage or simply seeking a memorable bottle, this wine is a profound and rewarding experience.