Nose
Boasts a harmony of aromas including dense dried cherry, blackberry jam and red plum
interwoven with rich toffee, dried herbs and cigar box notes.
Palate
The equally bountiful and beautifully structured palate
resonates with vibrant black cherry and currant fruits against a background of sweet briar, chocolate-roasted coffee and a
subtle white pepper spice, leading into a soft, lengthy cocoa finish with silky-smooth tannins.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set,
then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer
allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking.
Harvest
The small but flavorful clusters were
night-harvested mid through late September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being destemmed into
tank.
Bottling
Bottling in May 2010.
Winemaking
16 days of extended maceration.
Aging
The wine aged in 55% new French oak barrels.
Appearance
A robust, ruby-black wine.
Food Pairing
Always greatly complex and elegant, our Stags Leap District Cabernet would show best against a dish with similar
attributes. Pair this bottling with a grilled leg of lamb marinated in garlic confit and fresh thyme over sautéed kale with
shallots and olive oil for a beautiful meal. Additionally, this wine would be a delicious accompaniment to a nutty and
sweet cheese like Manchego Artequeso Semicurado.