You can feel it in the air. No, it’s not the cold nipping on your nose nor the mistletoe that sadly seems to be a discontinued tradition in this post-pandemic era. It is the feeling of panic as everyone searches for that special gift during this season of giving. The problem is compounded when the person or loved one you are trying to buy for on a budget is an intelligent hedonist of high standards. Because I am a hedonist on a tight budget, I believe I have the answer for you. A highly rated, well-known iconic Napa Cabernet in an excellent vintage for around $20. Too good to be true? Well, it is half true. If the gift you give is a reflection of the giver, then you will be a golden god with this stellar selection.

We were very excited when we were offered half bottles of Stags’ Leap Cabernet 2018 at a great price. Initially made for restaurants, the distributor needs to get into the next vintage. The 2019 750s are sold out, and the next Stags Leap Napa Cabernet in the 750ml will be the 2021 vintage. At which time, like everything else in these inflationary times, will take a 50% increase in price from 2018. Stags’ Leap Winery (not to be confused with Stag’s Leap Cellars) has a robust following for this historic wine. The region takes its name from Native American folklore of an enormous, mystical buck with massive antlers that would leap as if it was flying and could only be seen during full moons. The winery itself was a post office and a speakeasy that operated at the same time during prohibition. The main building was a prominent Napa Valley country retreat home to film stars, bootleggers, gangsters, gypsies, and ghosts.

The Stags Leap area became known for great wine due in large part to the Chases family planting vines since 1888. In the early 1970s, nearly a century after the Chases planted their first vines, Carl Doumani (who took over the Chases’ 240 acres) and Warren Winiarski both founded their separate wineries, and both named them Stags Leap. Winiarski sued over the rights to the name, but Doumani countersued on the grounds their winery was there first, fueling a historic turf war. After 13 years of litigation, a judge finally ended what had been billed as the “War of the Apostrophe.” The courts decided that the original winery would be known as Stags’ Leap and the newer Stag’s Leap. Yep, it’s one space with the apostrophe. Stags’ Leap Winery likes to remind everyone that Stags’ Leap Winery’s apostrophe is on the right side. It is curious to note that the Stags Leap area was recently awarded a Napa AVA, and there is no apostrophe at all in the new Stags Leap District AVA of Napa.

Today the property is 240 acres, of which 90 acres are planted to vines, with much of the property on the steep rocky slopes of the Palisades. Most of the vineyards are on the valley floor directly in front of and west of the winery, although a small block of Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on the slopes behind the winery.

“An intimate valley within the greater Napa Valley, Stags’ Leap is a place of natural beauty, storied buildings and gardens, a lively history, and a reputation for elegant wines showing finesse and intensity. Often the glitz or beauty of the winery is better than the wine itself. At Stags’ Leap, you get the best of both worlds – a legendary winery with wines that set a standard for others in the region.” – The Wine Spectator

Cabernet Sauvignon is synonymous with Napa Valley and has always been a mainstay in the winemaking program at Stags’ Leap Winery. Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines estate fruit and grapes from select Napa Valley growers with a focus on sourcing from the valley floor. Winemaker Christophe Paubert selects fruit that is similar in expression to the grapes from the Stags’ Leap estate, avoiding fruit from areas he considers to be too warm and instead sourcing grapes from the southern part of Napa Valley, where the climate is cooler. This strategic sourcing ensures the focus and character for which Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignons are known.

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is exuberant and expressive, with a bounty of wild bramble berry fruits alongside lifted floral notes of lavender and violet. There are also warmer spiced notes of Crème brûlée, allspice, and black pepper, a nod from the seamless oak integration. On the palate, juicy cassis, black currant, and blackberry are supported by hints of delicate red rose, brown butter, and bittersweet chocolate, giving this Cabernet a rich depth and complexity. Cocoa-powdery tannins provide a pleasurable mouthcoating texture, all enfolding into a lengthy mouthwatering finish. Very approachable and pleasing upon release, this wine is sure to impress and pair well alongside many culinary dishes.

A very pretty cabernet with very fine tannins that are polished and fresh. Beautiful currant, chocolate, and walnut character. Medium to full body and a long, caressing finish. Builds beautifully at the end. So delicious now, but will develop nicely in bottle. Real 2018 character. Top vintage. James Suckling 95 pts

Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet 2018 375ml (half bottle) 

The first thing I have to say about this wine is that it is so cute. A 375ml bottle is 12.7 oz of wine, two glasses of ambrosia. The perfect amount of wine to cuddle up to in front of a fire or relax on the couch while watching the Nut Cracker. OK, you won't catch me doing that, but I will use one to curse with while watching the Patriots or suffering through Home Alone 2 again. Tim, Adam, and I tried this wine in its original half-bottle format and thought it was great. Cassis and dark cherry in the nose with some spice. Medium to full weight in the mouth, dried cherry, olive, cedar, and spice, fine chalky tannins with moderate acid. The finish leaves you with dried cherry fruit. Did I already mention we all really liked this wine? Which is unusual because there is always a decenter in the group. Truly the best stocking stuffer I can think of. Buy in bulk so you can save some for yourself.

Regular Price: $26.99

*Sale price is on 6 or more bottles

Wine is packed in a 12-bottle case

*Wine pricing for these wine promotions are held for two weeks after the email offer.

We can hold wines in unpaid reserves for two weeks to allow you time to pick up your wine. If it takes you longer than that to pick up your wines, give us a call, and we can process your wine and move it to paid reserves.