2007 Stag´s Leap S.L.V.
Breathtaking. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 months barrel aging (88% new french oak und 12%previously filled french oak).
Unbelievable silky tannins, neverending length, polished and très elegant! Flavor profile of blackberry, chinese 5-spice and vanilla. Perfect pirate for every Bordeaux-Tasting and a real challenge for several Ch´s. Simply to die for…
95/100
Thanks Martin, having had a Stag’s Leap wine in a very long time, sounds amazing.
Martin,
Curious what those OTHER wines are peeking behind the SLV bottle???
Larry,
it was a tasting at the US-embassy in Berlin. Here are the wines:
2008 Ch. Montelena Chardonnay
93/100
2008 Grgich Hills Chardonnay
2008 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay
92/100
2007 Gary Farrell Chardonnay
2007 Mer Soleil Chardonnay
91-92/100
2007 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay
90-91/100
2006 Phelps Isignia
92-93+/100
2007 Stag Leap´s S.L.V
95/100
2008 Caymus Special Selection
91+/100
2006 Darioush
2006 M by Michael Mondavi
91-92/100
2006 R. Mondavi Reserve
94/100
2006 Duckhorn
2005 Heitz Cellar
90/100
2005 Shafer
95+/100
1999 Ch. Montelena
93/100
1997 Ridge Monte Bello
92-93+/100
This winery is back in a big way under the new ownership. The 07s were a quantam leap over what I tried from 06 - such a big leap (argh! no puns intended) that it was not just the “vintage of the century” hype around 07. The prices asked and the quality delivered had not been (IMHO) commensurate in many vintages. The 07s (and the SLV in particular) were exciting.
I had a 2002 Cask 23 at a cab tasting a few months ago, and it was truly awful. It tasted like vitamin pills. It’s hard to imagine anyone liking that wine, or that it even was wine.
Given their historical standing, particularly from the Paris tasting, it would be nice to see Stag’s Leap return to being a quality producer (I’m hoping for the same from Inglenook as well).
I haven’t had a stag’s leap worth drinking in years. I am ecstatic that Antinori is focusing on revitalizing the brand. The vintages since they took over in 2007 have started to get better and better press. I wonder if not to long from now we will actually be able to buy a good cab from stag’s leap for under $60 bucks. Chard is already getting nice press at $35.
Just curious as I’m not too familiar with Stag’s Leap other than the historical context.
When did the quality take a down-turn?
Mid 90s vintages IMO
IMO2.
97 was still a good vintage IMO although maybe not monumental. 99 ho hum. 01 Artemis - bleeechhh. Have not had one since. May look for the 07 SLV.