Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, S.L.V., Napa Valley 2013

Graphite, lavender, mint, licorice and plums literally jump out of the glass in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. Vibrant and powerful in the glass, the 2013 is endowed with striking nuance for a wine of its size. The wine's explosive energy is compelling, but it will be a number of years before the 2013 is ready to drink. It is pretty magical at this early stage just the same.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.) Estate-Grown may be one of the all-time great offerings from Stag’s Leap Vineyard. It’s not easy to say after 40 years of achievement, but it is certainly a candidate for one of the finest Stags Leap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons ever made, particularly under this moniker (We have to exclude the Cask 23 and the Fay Vineyard.) Opulent, with fabulous texture, a dense purple color, great blueberry and blackcurrant fruit with spice and flowers, this is sexy Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink beautifully for another 20 years or more. The balance is sensational.