Stag's Leap Wine Cellars : Fay 2019

A lively and fruity Californian red wine

The estate

Founded in 1970, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has become a benchmark for great Napa Valley wines over the years. The founders of the estate were pioneers when they replanted a plot of orchard land with vines containing a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that was very little used locally at the time. It was the start of an unparalleled revolution in the history of American wines.

A few years later, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won the blind competition for the best Cabernet Sauvignon at the famous "Judgement of Paris" in 1976, ahead of prestigious French wines. The legend of the estate was born.

Since 2007, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has been under the joint management of the American estate Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the Antinori family.

The wine

This cuvée pays tribute to a passionate and visionary winemaker, Nathan Fay. In 1961, he planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines, against the advice of his peers that the region was too cool for the variety. Tasting one of his wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon in 1969, Nathan Fay realised that this Napa Valley terroir could produce great wines that could rival the finest international labels.

In 1986, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars acquired Nathan Fay's vineyard and, from 1990 onwards, produced Cuvée Fay in his honour.

The vintage

Spring was relatively cool, with heavy rainfall leading to rapid vegetative growth and uneven flowering, before a summer of particularly mild conditions.

Despite lower yields than in 2018 and a later harvest, the vintage was a high-quality one. The fires in upper Sonoma and the smoke had no impact on the vineyards in northern Napa Valley, thanks in particular to the direction of the wind.

Winemaking and ageing

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in vats, as does malolactic fermentation. After blending, the wine is aged for 21 months exclusively in French oak barrels (100% new).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (100%). 

Characteristics and tasting tips for Fay 2019 by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Tasting

Nose
The nose releases notes of ripe raspberry, Boysen blackberry, jasmine, gardenia and nutmeg.

Palate
The palate, with a wonderful vivacity, unveils fine tannins, drawing out to a silky finish with delicious scents of fruit and red berries.

Food and wine pairing

This great Californian wine pairs perfectly with meat, fish (salmon glazed in maple syrup and soy) or with parmesan aubergines.