Crafted from the prestigious Stags Leap District in Napa Valley, the 2018 Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the elegance and power of this renowned appellation. This full-bodied wine showcases a luxurious medley of dark currant, blackberry, and plum flavors, beautifully layered with notes of tobacco, spice, graphite, and a hint of vanilla from extended oak aging. With its rich, layered texture, ripe tannins, and balanced acidity, it delivers a long, elegant finish. Perfectly pairing with roasted meats, game, or savory dishes, this Cabernet celebrates the distinct terroir of Stags Leap, offering exceptional sophistication and depth.
Process & Profile
Crafted in the renowned Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, the 2018 Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon embodies a terroir-driven approach. The Stags Leap District is celebrated for its well-drained alluvial soils and the cooling influence of the nearby San Pablo Bay, which work together to create wines of exceptional depth, elegance, and complexity. The 2018 vintage features Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the Hirondelle Vineyard, delivering a wine with full-bodied richness, fine tannins, and a deep, layered texture. Extended oak aging imparts subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and tobacco, enhancing the wine's structure and balance.
Tasting Notes
This Cabernet Sauvignon offers a symphony of flavors. The palate reveals intense layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, complemented by hints of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and graphite. Secondary notes of spice and oak add complexity, while its velvety tannins and balanced acidity culminate in a long, elegant finish. With its rich profile, this wine showcases the hallmark finesse and boldness that Stags Leap wines are known for.
What Makes It Special
The 2018 Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and its roots in one of Napa Valley's most prestigious appellations. Rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck, this wine reflects the unique microclimate and soils of Stags Leap, delivering fruit-forward vibrancy alongside refined textural elegance. The collaboration with the Hirondelle Vineyard ensures that every bottle embodies the district's signature characteristics of ripe fruit, textural depth, and precise balance.
How to Enjoy
For the best experience, decant this wine for at least one to two hours prior to serving to fully unlock its layered complexity. Serve at an optimal temperature of 63–65°F in a wide-rimmed glass to allow the bold aromas and flavors to shine. Perfectly paired with roasted meats, game, or hearty dishes, it complements foods like marinated ribeye steak, grilled lamb, or mushroom ravioli with truffle sauce. Whether enjoyed now or cellared to mature further, it promises an unforgettable tasting journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main tasting notes of Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon?
The 2018 Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon features intense flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and dark chocolate, complemented by layers of spice, tobacco, and a touch of vanilla from extended oak aging. Its structured tannins and balanced acidity create a long, elegant finish.
What food pairings go well with this wine?
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with roasted meats, game, or rich, savory dishes. It also complements hearty meat dishes, grilled vegetables, richly flavored cheeses, and even chocolate desserts.
What makes the Stags Leap District special for this wine?
Stags Leap District is a small, prestigious AVA in Napa Valley known for producing wines with deep richness, elegance, and layered textures. The area's well-drained soils and cooling breezes from San Pablo Bay contribute to the wine's distinct style. The grapes for the Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon come from the renowned Hirondelle Vineyard, which is prized for its fruit-driven and texturally pleasing wines.
How should I serve the wine to enhance its flavor?
It's recommended to decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving. This process helps soften the tannins, aerate the wine, and unlock its full flavor potential. Serve it at room temperature, around 60–65°F (15–18°C), to best enjoy its robust character.
How long can I age this wine?
The 2018 Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon has excellent aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically age well for 7–10 years, and this vintage's structured tannins and balanced acidity suggest it will develop more complex flavors over time when stored properly.
What is the alcohol content of the wine?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) for this Cabernet Sauvignon is in the range of 13.5% to 15%, consistent with the rich, full-bodied style of wines from Napa Valley.
Is this a dry or sweet wine?
The Addendum Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine with little to no residual sugar, a hallmark of Cabernet Sauvignon from this region.
What differentiates this wine from other Cabernet Sauvignons?
This wine stands out for its full-bodied richness, deep, layered texture, and incredible elegance. The combination of Stags Leap District's terroir and meticulous winemaking delivers a distinguished wine known for its balance of bold fruit flavors and nuanced sophistication.