Exquisite tannins and acids in this Cabernet. Not many places on earth could produce a wine with this impeccable structure. It is very young and not showing its best now—it’s a bit austere, and those tannins show. Best to let the deep cassis and blackberry flavors emerge over the next decade. —S.H. ——S.H.(3/1/2003)—— 92

The anticipation of opening a Stag’s Leap Cabernet is always high, which is perhaps unfair. But there it is. This wine disappoints. Blackberry flavors sit next to leaner, herbal ones, and the tannins are dry and aggressive. But acidity is low and it feels gooey in the mouth. May mellow with some cellaring. ——S.H.(11/15/2002)—— 85