Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Magnum 2002
Region: Napa Valley
Winery: Stags' Leap Winery
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

THE 2002 VINTAGE will be remembered for its cold winter that included snow and frost, followed by a very cool spring fi lled with rain. With one of the mildest summers on record, Labor Day weekend brought multiple days of 100+ degree temperatures with ultra low humidity fanned by dry inland winds that quickened harvest. The result is wines with good concentration and maturity that remind us that Cabernet from the Napa Valley is not only in our blood but in our soils.Winemaker Kevin Morrisey fermented the grapes in small lots, in a combination of open and closed-top fermenters. Gentle punch downs of the caps during extended maceration produced good color and tannin extraction. After fermentation, Morrisey aged the wine in 100% French oak barrels (50% new) for 22 months. A hint of Cabernet Franc and Merlot were added to the blend to lend complexity and structure.Rich and concentrated, this wine delivers beautiful black fruit aromas of blackberry and cassis backed by hints of black pepper, black olive and brown spices. A deep and dense entry fills the mouth with forward red and black fruit flavors of rhubarb, red cherries, raspberries and boysenberry. Lightly structured with round, chewy tannins, the finish is long and supple with layers of bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee beans.
Varietal Profile: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot Release Date: July 2005 pH: 3.64 Total Acidity: 0.58 Alcohol.: 14.1% Bottled: February 2005

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51am | report comment