The Judgment
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags Leap District
“The Judgment” pays homage to the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon that won the historic Paris Tasting in 1976 when French wine experts judged, in a blind tasting, that this California wine was as good as, or better than, the best wines of France. In what is now called the “The Judgment of Paris,” the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors among the reds, triumphing over two first-growth and other renowned wines of Bordeaux. The surprise win and the story of The Judgment of Paris brought international recognition to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley and the American wine industry. In crafting this celebratory 40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon from the spectacular 2013 vintage, Winemaker Marcus Notaro selected distinct lots of Cabernet Sauvignon from the S.L.V. estate vineyard, including grapes from S.L.V. Block 4. Block 4 is the oldest Cabernet block remaining in the vineyard. The wine is 100% Cabernet aged in 100% French oak. S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard and was planted in 1970. “The Judgment” reflects this iconic vineyard’s ability to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure—promising long life and ageability.
Winemaker, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Marcus Notaro joined Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in May 2013 as Winemaker, bringing with him close to two decades of expertise and passion for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Marcus was previously making red wines in Washington state since 1995 and was the winemaker for Col Solare, a prestigious winery located in the Red Mountain appellation of Washington State. Like Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Col Solare is a partnership between Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori of Italy.
Marcus loves the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon, saying, "It can make a rich, powerful wine without being heavy while truly expressing where it was grown." This passion is what drew Marcus to Napa Valley and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. His understanding of the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars signature wine style -- one of elegance and balance, ripeness and restraint -- and his ability to express both the terroir of the vineyard and the true varietal character of the grape, make him ideally suited for continuing the winemaking legacy at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.
Country born: United States
Education: While working at Col Solare, Marcus Notaro developed a strong rapport with the Antinori vineyard and winemaking teams during frequent travels to the Antinori estates in Tuscany. That experience fostered an international winemaking perspective that he has brought to his new role at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Everything begins in the vineyard and then it all comes together in the cellar. You need to do what the vineyard and the vintage tell you.
#101, 17220 Stony Plain Road
Edmonton AB T5S 1K6
Canada
780-497-3271
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artesa Winery | 2015 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Estate Vineyard Block 91D | 20 |
Far Niente | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 20 | |
Signorello Estate | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Cuvee Athena | 20 |
von Strasser Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | Estate Vineyard’s Final Bow | 20 |
Chappellet Vineyard | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 | |
Far Niente | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Martin Stelling Vineyard | 19 |
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | The Judgment | 19 |
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