Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
"The Alchemist"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 14 | Lot No. 1
Vintage: 2008
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
20 cases produced
Description
Like an alchemist skilled in the art of transformation, winemaker Nicki Pruss has taken elements with extremely special and even opposing
properties and blended them together to make magic. To create this heavenly wine, Nicki charmed the opposing forces of fire and water, which reign prominently in our two adjoining but distinctive estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. The "fire" can be found in our Stag's Leap Vineyard, where volcanic soils result in wines of structure, concentration and spicy intensity. In contrast, neighboring FAY vineyard's water-born alluvial soils conjure more tranquil properties of softness, perfume and rich berry qualities. Both eminently powerful and contrasting, the wines from these two vineyards were blended to create something even more enchanting together than alone.
Wine Facts
- pH: 3.71000
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
Nicki Pruss
Winemaker, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Nicki Pruss was on a very different career path when she was sidetracked by a fascination with wine. After graduating from the University of California in Santa Barbara, the native Californian moved to Chicago. There she graduated Cum Laude from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her podiatric surgery residency at Columbus Hospital. She returned home to California as a licensed podiatrist, but in 1995 a 5-month bicycle tour through France, Belgium and Germany changed everything.
She had long been an enthusiastic amateur beer‐maker, but during this European trip she realized that the career she really wanted was in wine. Upon her return to California, Nicki began studying viticulture and winery technology at Napa Valley College and fermenting any grapes she could get her hands on. Professionally, she began as an intern at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1998 and since that time moved up the winemaking ranks from Lab Technician, to Enologist, to Assistant Winemaker and Associate Winemaker. She was officially named Winemaker in 2005.
Throughout her tenure at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, she has continued to attend seminars and extension courses at the University of California at Davis and through the Napa Valley Grape Growers, ASEV and the Napa Valley Vintners. Much of her practical winemaking and grape-growing education has occurred on the job, working with and learning from the founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Renzo Cotarella, Danny Schuster, Jim Lincoln, Michael Silacci and other noted industry professionals. “Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has been the training ground for many people from around the world,” says Nicki, “and it has been an honor for me to be one of its ‘students.’”
Nicki’s contributions at Stagʹs Leap Wine Cellars have been numerous. She’s been intimately involved with the ARCADIA VINEYARD Chardonnay program since its inception in 1998, helped revitalize the winery’s Sauvignon Blanc program with a style that has been widely successful, and was instrumental in the creation of the ARTEMIS Cabernet program. In addition to crafting the winery’s three Estate Cabernet Sauvignons (FAY, S.L.V., CASK 23) each year, Nicki creates estate red wines that highlight select parcels that are bottled exclusively for the Wine Club. To Nicki, these specialty wines are a way to take club members “on a walk through the vineyard with the winemaker” to experience the unique characteristics that define the winery’s world-class vineyards.
Country born: United States
Education: Certificate in Viticulture and Winery Technology from Napa Valley College, a B.A. in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara, and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine – Cum Laude from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, IL. I am a member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture, the California Enological Research Association, and the Napa Valley Wine Technical Group. I am also a past Board member of the NVWTG
Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Site trumps clone, Mother Nature bats last and I am a grape herder. I keep that in mind while at the same time weaving together the technical aspects of science, the artistry of wine and my gut feeling. I enjoy the creative challenge of working with nature to produce world-class wines with balance,elegance and restraint.
The Wine House
2311 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90064
310-479-3731
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from The Wine House:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palazzo Wine | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Los Carneros | Midnight Angel | 22 (2018) |
| Somerston Estate | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Block 95 | 21 (2017) |
| Continuum Estate | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Lang & Reed Wine Company | 2015 | Chenin Blanc | Napa Valley | Lost but Found | 20 (2016) |
| Long Meadow Ranch | 2014 | Merlot | Rutherford | Rutherford Estate | 20 (2016) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1990 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | J. Schram Late Disgorged | 20 (2016) |
| Casa Nuestra Winery and Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Franc | St. Helena | 19 (2015) | |
| Continuum Estate | 2013 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Proprietary Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Joseph Phelps Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Backus Vineyard | 19 (2015) |
| Leto Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | The Elder | 19 (2015) |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2013 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | MAJEK | 19 (2015) |
| Pride Mountain Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Summit Select | 19 (2015) |
| PureCru Napa Valley | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Newest Secret | 19 (2015) |
| Saintsbury | 2014 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Stanly Ranch | 19 (2015) |
| Courtesan | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Veronica | 18 (2014) |
| Merus | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Bennett Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Scarecrow Wine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Toto's Opium Dream: Scene III | 18 (2014) |
| Somerston Estate | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Blend | 18 (2014) |
| Arrow&Branch | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | 17 (2013) | |
| Artesa Vineyards & Winery | 2012 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Estate | 17 (2013) |
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 2012 | Pinot Noir | Napa Valley | Auction Select Best Barrel | 17 (2013) |
| BRAND Napa Valley | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Debut | 17 (2013) |
| Derenoncourt California | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Las Posadas | 17 (2013) |
| Foley Johnson | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 17 (2013) | |
| Hewitt Vineyard & Provenance Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Sleeping Lady | 17 (2013) |
| Keenan Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Waited So Long | 17 (2013) |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Tench Vineyard | 17 (2013) |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2011 | Red Wine | Mount Veeder | Pym Rae | 17 (2013) |
| Saint Helena Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 17 (2013) | |
| Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Ignem et Aquam | 17 (2013) |
| Turnbull Wine Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Le Corbeau | 17 (2013) |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Howell Mountain | 16 (2012) | |
| Beringer Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Home Vineyard | 16 (2012) |
| Clos Du Val | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Joie Du Vin | 16 (2012) |
| Dana Estates | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Grgich Hills Estate | 2011 | Chardonnay | Los Carneros | Paris Tasting Commemorative | 16 (2012) |
| Groth Vineyards & Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Sweet Spot | 16 (2012) |
| Joseph Phelps Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Louis M. Martini Winery | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 254 Series | 16 (2012) |
| Peacock Family Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Shire | 16 (2012) |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Clark-Claudon Vineyards | 2009 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | Briana's Song | 15 (2011) |
| Far Niente | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Martin Stelling Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Lang & Reed Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | Last Stand | 15 (2011) |
| Long Meadow Ranch Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | F Block Reserve | 15 (2011) |
| Maroon Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Maroon Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| ROY Estate | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Voix Basse (a whisper) | 15 (2011) |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 15 (2011) | |
| Tres Sabores | 2009 | Petite Sirah | Calistoga | 15 (2011) | |
| Chateau Montelena Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Montelena Estate G Block Old Vine Finale | 14 (2010) |
| Frog's Leap | 2008 | Petite Sirah | Rutherford | Galleron Vineyard | 14 (2010) |
| Groth Vineyards & Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Core Blend | 14 (2010) |
| Page Wine Cellars | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Your Personal Stash | 14 (2010) |
| Snowden Vineyards | 2009 | Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Alchemist | 14 (2010) |
| Stags’ Leap Winery | 2008 | Petite Sirah | Stags Leap District | Ne Cede Malis Estate-Grown Field Blend | 14 (2010) |
| White Rock Vineyards | 2008 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Buehler Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Kindly Well | 13 (2009) |
| Clos Du Val | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 13 (2009) | |
| Conn Creek Winery | 2006 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | The Finale | 13 (2009) |
| Continuum Estate | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | PNV Proprietary Blend | 13 (2009) |
| Grgich Hills Estate | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon | 13 (2009) |
| Hewitt Vineyard | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 13 (2009) | |
| Kuleto Estate | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | La Concha | 13 (2009) |
| Lang and Reed Wine Company | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Dubious Duo | 13 (2009) |
| Nickel and Nickel | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | State Lane Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Robert Mondavi Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | T Block | 13 (2009) |
| Wolf Family Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 2007 | Pinot Noir | Napa Valley | Auction Select/Best Barrel | 12 (2008) |
| Cain Vineyard and Winery | 2006 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | François’ Pick | 12 (2008) |
| Cardinale | 2006 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Corison Winery | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Reserve | 12 (2008) |
| Groth Vineyards and Winery | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | OX | 12 (2008) |
| Lang and Reed Wine Company | 2007 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | Expression 214 | 12 (2008) |
| Mount Veeder Winery | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | 12 (2008) | |
| Reverie on Diamond Mountain | 2007 | Malbec | Diamond Mountain District | The First Harvest | 12 (2008) |
| Silver Oak Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Ernie’s Pretty Girl | 12 (2008) |
| Spelletich Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | True Reserve | 12 (2008) |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 12 (2008) |
| Brown Estate Vineyards | 2004 | 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Zinfandel | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2005 | 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Sequoia Grove Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Morisoli Vineyard | 10 (2006) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2004 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | Cabernet Franc-Oh!-Phile | 10 (2006) |
| Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 9 (2005) | |
| Veraison | 2004 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Chateau Montelena Winery | 2002 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | The Montelena Estate | 8 (2004) |
| Trefethen Family Vineyards | 2001 | Red Table Wine | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Oak Knoll Five | 7 (2003) |
| Cain Vineyard and Winery | 2000 | Syrah | Spring Mountain District | 6 (2002) | |
| Livingston Moffett Wines, LLC | 2000 | Merlot | Yountville | Gemstone Vineyard | 6 (2002) |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2000 | Cabernet Franc | Mount Veeder | 6 (2002) |
Winery Distribution
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Alaska (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Arizona (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Arkansas (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- California (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Colorado (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Connecticut (Allan S Goodman, Inc.)
- Connecticut (Brescome Barton, Inc.)
- Connecticut (Eder Brothers, Inc.)
- Delaware (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Florida (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Georgia (United Distributors, Inc.)
- Hawaii (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Idaho (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Idaho (TEC Distributing)
- Idaho (C. Stein, Inc. dba CSB)
- Idaho (S & C Importers and Distributors, Inc.)
- Illinois (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Indiana (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Iowa (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Kansas (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Kentucky (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Louisiana (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Maryland (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Minnesota (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Mississippi (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Missouri (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Montana (Blue Rock Distributing Company)
- Montana (Briggs Distributing )
- Montana (Bronken's Good Time Company)
- Montana (Gusto Distributing Co.)
- Montana (Lehrkind's Incorporated)
- Nebraska (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Nevada (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- New Hampshire (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- New Mexico (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- New York (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- North Dakota (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Ohio (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Oklahoma (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Oregon (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Pennsylvania (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- South Carolina (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- South Dakota (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Texas (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Utah (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Washington (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)
- Wyoming (Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits)