S.L.V.

S.L.V. is the winery’s first vineyard. The 1973 vintage won the Judgement of Paris. Today, this vineyard continues to produce legendary wines.

S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyard, is the winery’s first vineyard. Planted in 1970, this vineyard achieved international fame when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that triumphed over some of France’s greatest Bordeaux in the 1976 “Judgment of Paris.” The vineyard’s soils are predominantly volcanic in nature and contribute structure, concentration, and spicy intensity.

The heart of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is undoubtedly the estate vineyards. Extraordinary care ensures the wine’s aroma, flavor, and texture conveys a sense of place. Throughout the growing season and all the way through harvest, vines are cared for to achieve their optimum maturity level and ensure the signature of the terroir is expressed to its fullest. In the winery, we implement precise winemaking techniques that emphasize the personalities of our vineyards. Everything from yeast selection to barrel coopers and toast levels to blending is intentionally applied to ensure the wine reflects the place. With S.L.V., we pay atttention to every detail to ensure the signature characteristics of the volcanic soils come through in its structure, minerality, concentrated dark fruit flavors and ripe, elegant tannins.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is deeply rooted in Napa Valley’s wine legends. The winery added to Napa Valley’s legends with its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon which French wine experts ranked highest among the best wines of France during a blind tasting in Paris – now referred to as the “The Judgment of Paris, which brought international recognition to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Napa Valley. Today, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is recognized for its portfolio of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons – S.L.V., FAY, and CASK 23 – which are among the most highly regarded and sought-after Cabernets in the world.