Cabernet Sauvignon is known as “The King of Napa Valley,” and with good reason.
It’s the most widely grown grape in the world and put California on the map as a wine destination. It’s also the go-to varietal for connoisseurs of wine and casual fans alike. Cabernet Sauvignon is a mainstay on almost every wine list and a perfect companion to steaks, red meats, and so much more. It could be said that Cabernet Sauvignon is the quintessential red wine. When people think of red, they think of Cabernet.
It’s also a cornerstone of Stags’ Leap Winery and the Stags Leap District. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a significant role in our history, winemaking, and ethos. As our portfolio of wines will tell you, we’re a big fan of this varietal.
Why is Cabernet so popular? Let us walk you through all the delicious reasons Cab is the go-to for so many wine lovers.
Cabernet’s Story
Cabernet originated in Bordeaux, France, in the 17th century, when wine growers crossed the red grape Cabernet Franc with white Sauvignon Blanc. In the mid-1800s, it arrived in California, where vines from Bordeaux were planted in the Santa Clara Valley. The grapes were brought north to Sonoma and, eventually, all the way to Napa Valley.
Despite the setbacks of a late-1880s Phylloxera (a tiny insect that feeds on the roots of grape vines) infestation and Prohibition in the 1920s, Cabernet became the third most-planted grape in the region by 1963.
Winemakers began to push the boundaries of what Napa Cabernet could be in the 1970s. Experts perfected tannins, balance, and maceration periods until the wine became something to rival even the finest Bordeaux varietals.
Today, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in both Napa and Bordeaux.
The Difference Between Bordeaux and Napa Cabernets
Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Bordeaux is normally savory with high acidity, lean structure, and notes of earth because of Bordeaux’s traditionally cooler climate. However, climate change is altering the region’s temperatures, making it less sustainable for traditional Cabernet.
Napa Cabernet is bold and fruity with notes of blackberry and cherry, and influenced by oak aging, which gives the palate a hint of vanilla. It has a rich, ripe profile because of Napa’s warmer, sunny climate.
However, Cabernet isn’t limited to just California and Bordeaux. As we said, it’s the most widely grown grape in the world. Australia, Chile, South Africa, Italy, Argentina, and New Zealand also boast notable Cabernet expressions.
People choose Napa Cabernets for their bold, fruit-forward palates. The black cherry, plum, and vanilla notes make it a decadent wine and the region’s climate allows for late-ripening grapes, which make for bottles that have a distinct aging potential. Napa grapes also have softer, more plush tannins, which contributes to the wine’s ageability.
Stags’ Leap Winery’s Cabernet
Stags’ Leap Winery is part of the Stags Leap AVA, an appellation perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. Because of the rocky hillside of the Stags Leap Palisades, heat is absorbed by the stone during the day, giving the warmth back to the grapes at night.
In the evenings, a cool marine breeze comes from the San Pablo Bay and allows the grapes to reach a peak of balanced acidity and sugar. Because of this, Stags Leap Cabernets enjoy a long growing season of warm days and cool nights. It’s the perfect AVA for grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where to Start
Stags’ Leap Winery 2022 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s one of Stags’ Leap Winery’s prestigious Black Label wines and comparable to our Audentia. Each lot is crafted from a blend of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, lots, and cooperages, and undergoes a lengthy maceration period to enhance color, tannin, and complexity. We hold each lot in separate French oak barrels before our winemakers hand-select the best to blend just before bottling. It’s perfect to enjoy now or cellar for 10 to 15 years.
Our 2022 label earned 96 points from JamesSuckling.com.
Flavor Profile
The 2022 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon leads with aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum, which are complemented by hints of violet, black pepper, and toasted oak. The wine’s complexity continues on the palate, where rich flavors of black raspberry, cassis, and ripe plum unfold, balanced by secondary notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar. The mouthfeel is full-bodied, with velvety tannins that provide a plush texture and a long, satisfying finish. The natural acidity gives the wine a sense of freshness, while the wine’s deep, powerful flavors showcase the depth of the estate’s terroir.
Pairings
Cabernet pairs exceptionally well with red meats. We love uncorking a bottle with a decadent meal of char-grilled steak or lamb. For a more casual setting, Cabernet also pairs well with burgers, although it's best to avoid ketchup or barbecue sauce. The sweetness of the condiments will react to the wine’s tannins, which isn’t our favorite.
For a side dish, choose something with a bold flavor like roasted root vegetables, grilled zucchini, or garlic mashed potatoes to complement the Cabernet.
FAQs
Should I decant Cabernet?
You don’t have to, but we recommend decanting younger bottles. Decanting the wine will soften the tannins and allow for more complex aromas. For a great drinking experience, we suggest decanting for about thirty minutes to two hours.
Don’t have a decanter? A clean vase or pitcher will work. Be sure to wash it with fragrance-free detergent before use, as bits of dust, dirt, and scented dish soap can interfere with the wine’s flavor.
What temperature should I serve Cabernet?
Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed at a slightly cool temperature, between 60°F and 65°F. This will balance the tannins and showcase the wine’s rich fruit palate. Serving the wine cooler will mute the wine’s aromas, while serving it too warm accent the alcohol flavors, throwing off the wine’s balance.
Do you have any recipes you’d recommend to pair with Cabernet?
For a classic pairing, try our Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce.
If you’d like lighter fare, our Buttermilk and Herb Brined Turkey Breast with Caramelized Leeks and Shallots will bring out the wine’s notes of sweet red berries, plush black cherry, and blackberry.
