STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon 'Artemis' - Napa Valley 2021 Bottle

Description

Named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, the 2021 ‘Artemis’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the art of blending, drawing from both estate-grown fruit and select Napa Valley vineyards to create a wine of consistent quality and character. The 2021 vintage is particularly expressive, offering a complex bouquet of boysenberry, plum, and black currant, beautifully underscored by sophisticated notes of baking spice, cocoa, and subtle hints of truffle and nutmeg.

On the palate, this Cabernet is both powerful and graceful. It delivers a rich, creamy texture that coats the mouth, supported by a structure of succulent tannins and persistent acidity that ensures perfect balance. As the wine opens, more nuanced layers of violet and vanilla bean emerge, leading to a long, polished finish that is both satisfying and refined.

‘Artemis’ remains a staple for those who appreciate the quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet profile: full-bodied, fruit-forward, and expertly crafted. Its approachable nature makes it a perfect companion for celebratory dinners or quiet evenings alike. Pair this versatile red with hearty dishes such as roast venison, herb-marinated steak, or wild mushroom risotto to fully appreciate its depth and integrated structure.

DECANTER 94 points/100
Tasted by: Jonathan Cristaldi (at Napa Valley Vintners, St. Helena, California, 13 May 2024)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040
A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and half a % each of Malbec and Merlot, aged 15 months in 33% new French oak. The bottling includes the following sources: 51% Atlas Peak District; 14% Battuello Vineyard in St. Helena, 12% Arcadia Vineyard in Coombsville and 5% Twin Creeks Vineyard in Wooden Valley (in Suisun Valley) and from sources in Stags Leap. Super approachable and fairly easy-drinking at the pull of the cork. Youthful blue fruit aromatics mingle with blackberry, graphite, and violet florals. Full-bodied with fine-grained satiny tannins and the same exuberant blue and black fruit, tinged with cinnamon and Mexican mocha through a lengthy slate-stone and cedarwood-rich finish.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points/100
This supple but structured wine is sourced from various parts of the valley, yet still has the gentle power of the Stags Leap District. Suave oak spices, rich dark fruit and a full body give a generous, broad feel that is nicely freshened by fine-grained tannins. Drink now or hold.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 points/100
Generous flavors of boysenberry, plum, spiced cocoa and vanilla bean are carried on a structure of succulent tannins and persistent, mouthwatering acidity that invites another sip. This wine includes hints of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot to enhance aromatic freshness.

WINE ADVOCATE 92 points/100
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Drink Date: 2024 - 2035
The only one of these releases to contain purchased fruit, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis draws from such diverse sources as Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Coombsville, Saint Helena and Wooden Valley. It's rather fresh and primary, with almost grapey notes, black cherries and cassis. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and plush, with a soft, velvety finish. A nice step up in quality over the 2020 version, it should drink well for up to a decade.

VINOUS 92 points/100
Drinking window: 2024 - 2036
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a terrific introductory-level wine from Stags Leap Wine Cellars. Bright acids and floral aromatics lift a core of vibrant, red-toned fruit. Crushed raspberries, kirsch, flowers, cinnamon, mint and a touch of sweet oak lend energy. This is beautifully rendered. Fruit sources are Antica and Arcadia.