STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon 'Fay' - Napa Valley 2016 Bottle

Description

The 2016 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon represents a magnificent expression of one of Napa Valley’s most historic and significant vineyards. Planted by Nathan Fay in 1961, this site proved that the Stags Leap District could produce Cabernet of world-class elegance, directly paving the way for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' legendary reputation. The 2016 vintage, widely hailed as exceptional, allowed the FAY vineyard to truly shine, producing a wine of remarkable balance, aromatic complexity, and grace.

In the glass, it reveals a deep, intense ruby hue. The nose is famously perfumed, offering a captivating bouquet of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry, and wild plum, elegantly interwoven with nuanced hints of violet, sandalwood, and a touch of graphite.

On the palate, it is beautifully structured yet inherently supple. Lush, concentrated layers of dark red and black fruits are supported by fine-grained, polished tannins and a vibrant core of acidity. The finish is exceptionally long and silky, echoing with lingering notes of spice and dark berry fruit. While it offers immense pleasure now with decanting, this classic, classically styled Napa Cabernet possesses the pedigree and structure to evolve beautifully in the cellar for decades.

VINOUS 95 points/100
Drinking window: 2024 - 2031
Gorgeous and expressive, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay is classy, polished and super-refined. All of the pedigree of the vintage comes through loud and clear. Resonant, but not at all heavy, the 2016 is just sublime. Mocha, leather, spice and wild cherry are seamless in the glass, with silky, creamy tannins that bring out the wine's sensual side even further.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: November 2018

THE WINE ADVOCATE (93-96) points/100
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A barrel sample blended of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard is deep purple-black in color and begins just a tad broody, giving way to earth-laced blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with energetic black fruits and savory layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and background freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 points/100
Soft, rounded red fruit marks the juicy midpalate of this beautifully made wine that is appealing in its robust weight and power. With tamed tannins, it offers a mix of black cherry, dried herb, graphite and crushed rock around a length of supportive oak.