Stags' Leap Winery The Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

The Leap is always a glorious representation of the distinctive personality of our estate vineyard and this 2020 vintage is no exception, with incredible dark ruby, violet-colored intensity, and saturation, leading to a robust nose with a bounty of red and dark berry fruit aromas. Notes of black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum easily come through alongside perfumed hints of delicate wild lavender. The palate has a plethora rich dark berry fruits with richness and vibrancy. A classical example of Stags Leap District Cabernet with exuberant bramble berry fruit flavors of ripe black cherry, black raspberry and plum, alongside perfumed notes of cola nut, root spice, forest floor and ground espresso on the finish. Big, rich and plush with multi-layered attractiveness, this Cabernet is full-bodied and elegant with depth of structure and firm, chewy tannins. Secondary notes of graphite, mocha and bittersweet dark chocolate follow through on the lengthy and savory mouthwatering finish. Incredibly pleasing upon release, while also demonstrating the opulence and grace of the estate, hallmarks of this wine, allowing for aging beautifully over time for the next ten to twenty years.

96 Points - James Suckling

Cassis, fruit cake, and violets followed by ground vanilla beans and mint chocolate with underlying crushed rocks and black ink notes. Full-bodied, firm yet finely grained ripe tannins with good freshness to it. Outstanding concentration with framed structure. Opulent yet harmonious. A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit sirah, 3% malbec and 1% merlot. Aged for 20 months in 65% new French oak barriques. Give this more time to come around. Try after 2027.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Offers a mix of sagebrush, sweet bay leaf, incense and dried violet aromatics that drape prettily over a core of cassis and gently mulled plum fruit. After a caressing feel at the start, this picks up graphite-edged grip on the sneaky long finish. Best from 2024 through 2036. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.