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

Description

The 2021 FAY Estate Cabernet Sauvignon represents a piece of Napa Valley history, originating from the very vineyard where the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars legacy began. Planted by pioneer Nathan Fay in 1961, it was the first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in what is now the renowned Stags Leap District.

The 2021 vintage is considered one of the highest quality of the past decade. Following a dry winter and challenging bloom that naturally reduced yields, a classic Napa summer of warm days and cool sea breezes allowed for perfect structural balance.

In the glass, the wine opens with highly fragrant, generous aromas of boysenberry, Bing cherry, and strawberry preserves, beautifully interwoven with hints of spice, cookie dough, and delicate floral notes. The palate is youthful and vibrant, featuring a savoury coating and incredibly silky, persistent tannins that drive a long, berry-laced finish.

Combining historical pedigree with exceptional vintage conditions, this is a truly captivating Cabernet Sauvignon. It is highly recommended alongside elevated, earthy dishes such as Maitake mushroom risotto, maple-glazed salmon, or grilled buffalo burgers topped with caramelised onions and Havarti cheese.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points/100
Savory, generous and impressive, this icon wine from the famed Fay vineyard flows through the mouth with flavors of cedar, sage and thyme. Richly flavored, concentrated and mouthwatering, this is a wine to savor. An impressive balance of succulent tannins and juicy acidity brings energy and great length. — Elaine Chukan Brown

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points/100
This is tight, concentrated and youthful, harnessing power in a polished package. It goes deep in black fruit, espresso beans and 90% cacao flavors. Intricately woven with fine-grained tannins and a full body for a focused, linear expression that will carry it for decades to come. Not too tight to enjoy sooner, but best from 2029.
Jim Gordon, Executive Editor

DECANTER 95 points/100
Tasted by: Jonathan Cristaldi (at Napa Valley Vintners, St. Helena, California, 13 May 2024)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040
The 2021 Fay is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 21 months, in 100% new French oak. It is a glass-staining ruby-purple. It has explosive aromatics of violets, earth, sweet cedar, black olive, espresso bean, black liquorice, and dried fennel. It is full-bodied with gritty, granular tannins. The plush black and blue fruit character is laced with brown baking spices and marjoram. A chalky mineral intensity builds in this powerful wine, which boasts plenty of intrigue and the refreshing, savoury qualities of the 2021 vintage.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points/100
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Drink Date: 2025 - 2040
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard boasts oodles of red-berried fruit accented by complex herbal nuances. The redcurrant and cherry notes lead into a medium to full-bodied palate that's silky in texture, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing long and elegantly.

VINOUS 94 points/100
Drinking window: 2028 - 2051
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay is a polished, elegant wine. Sweet red-toned fruit, spice, mint, new leather, cedar and tobacco all meld together in an attractive, medium-bodied wine that is all class. The 2021 was impressive from barrel, and it is all that today. My only real critique is that the French oak makes more of a mark here than it does in the other wines.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: May 2024