Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was established in 1970 and is regarded as a first-growth estate in the Napa Valley. It is most recognised for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the infamous Judgment of Paris in 1976.
The creator bought the 44-acre site next to Nathan Fay’s vineyard, which was mostly a prune orchard. He gave it the name Stag’s Leap Vineyards and replanted it with Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Merlot. The beginning of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, is a true masterpiece of winemaking with an exquisite flavour profile. This wine is made from carefully selected grapes grown in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California, and it’s a true representation of the region’s terroir.
The first vintage of Artemis, named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, was produced in 2001. Stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which really impressed us at a Californian Loki take-over a couple of years ago. The Artemis has flavorful notes of cocoa, cherry-covered in chocolate, crushed raspberry, olive, and thyme. The wine is well-structured with fine-grained tannins and is rich and delicious. A pleasant brambleberry flavour on the palate is followed by a lengthy finish that includes a tinge of wood spice.
The wine pours a deep ruby colour and the first sip reveals a full-bodied wine with a rich, velvety texture that coats your mouth and lingers on your palate. The taste is a perfect balance of ripe fruit flavours and subtle oak notes, with a long, smooth finish that leaves a satisfying, lingering aftertaste.
Its bold, complex flavours will delight your senses and leave you craving more. With each sip, you’ll be transported to the sun-drenched hills of Napa Valley, where the grapes that make this wine were grown with care and harvested at their peak of ripeness.
Food pairing suggestion: Braised short ribs in red wine sauce.
Awards
James Sucking: 93 points
Vintages shown are for illustration purposes only.
Amelia –
Stags Leap Artemis is seriously something special. It is got this rich dark chocolate flavour that’s just heavenly, and they really nailed the balance of oak and vanilla in there too. The finish is so smooth and leathery, I couldn’t get enough! Honestly, I’m not even a huge Cabernet fan, but this one won me over. It’s surprisingly smooth, not that bold and harsh taste you might expect. Instead, it’s got this wonderful fruitiness that’s just so enjoyable.
If you’re into Cabernet, or even if you’re not, give this one a try. You won’t regret it, it is a real gem!