Vinunic recently invited to a tasting lunch at the ever great Operakällaren, with Marcus Notaro from the eponymous Stag´s Leap estate.
Founded in 1970 Stag´s Leap rose to fame when they "won" the 1976´s judgement of Paris. Today its owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Marcus joined Stag´s Leap in 2013.
2019 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
A tight and concentrated nose with lovely notes of ripe black currants, graphite, ink and bakelite. Structured. Very fine.
The taste is young and refined with notes of expensive tobacco, ripening blackberries, leather and hot earth. Silky tannins. Very long. 6+ years.
Recently tasted - Barolista: 2018 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap
93p (tasted 2022/06)
2012 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
The 10 year old Artemis shoes of a deep, maturing nose with notes of fir wood, dried black currants, undergrowth and assorted herbs. Very, very good.
The taste is round and elegant with a beginning maturity and notes of dried black currants, earth, bonfire smoke and tobacco. A very fine dryness in the finish. For drinking now and the coming 7+ years.
90p (tasted 2022/06)
2018 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon
A gorgeous nose with lots of depth and fantastic notes of perfect mature black currants, graphite, wet stones and a salty, mineral scent. Ripe, velvety. Great.
The taste is luscious and silky with notes of sweet/sour/salt black currants, moist earth, expensive leather and some chocolaty notes. Very, very long. Brilliant. 8+ years.
96p (tasted 2022/06)
2013 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon
The 5 year older Fay offers up a somewhat mature, silky nose with notes of red and black currants, fir wood, fresh stables and undergrowth. Very Bordeaux like.
The taste is very fine and racy with notes of plums, sugared coffee, forest floor and smoke. Finely polished tannins. A very fine warmth. 3+ years.
92p (tasted 2022/06)
1996 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon
The 1996 Fay is a dead ringer for a mature Bordeaux, with fine notes of tobacco, dried black currants, earth and lead pencil shavings. The only thing that differs is a touch of sun dried tomatoes at the bottom of the nose. Very fine.
The taste is round and soft but still with a healthy vigour and notes of dried black currants, moist earth, dry leather and cocoa. Long, dry and very fine.
91p (tasted 2022/06)
2009 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon
A very deep, focused nose with notes of perfectly mature black currants, dark chocolate, iron, thyme and chalk. Gorgeous.
The taste is still very young and seedy with notes of ink, dried up black currant jam, herbs and sun warm earth. Very, very long. 6+ years.
93p (tasted 2022/06)
1996 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon
This is what dreams (at least mine) are made of. Poured blind, I would have guessed a Palmer or Margaux from a great vintage. The nose is perfect with gorgeous notes of red tea, dried black currants, forest floor, tobacco, warm tiles and a deep perfumed scent. Stunning.
The taste is seamless with fruit, tannins and acidity in perfect harmony. Every knot and bolt in place. I could drink this all day every day.
99p (tasted 2022/06)
2018 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon
A very restrained, promising nose with notes of graphite, black olives, iron and fine tobacco. A lovely purity. Very, very deep.
The taste is rich and concentrated with a wealth of ripe black fruits, stern tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. 10+ years. Great wine.
96p (tasted 2022/06)
2009 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon
A very deep, maturing nose with notes of cooked black cherries, undergrowth, cigarette smoke and chrushed rocks. More mature than the SLV from the same vintage. Lovely.
The taste is big, warm and really yummy with notes of chocolate covered raspberries, forest floor, tobacco and sweet minerals. Very long. For drinking now and the coming 8+ years.
93p (tasted 2022/06)