Stag's Leap Wine Cellars FAY 1994

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY 1994 - Napa Valley, California, USA

Producer's Notes:

FAY vineyard remains one the great Napa Valley vineyards, producing fruit with an abundance of supple red and black berry character, voluptuous perfume and a luscious, fine-grained texture. When the various lots are blended and aged in French oak barrels, the resulting wine gives us the classic expression that is a hallmark of our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

This FAY Cabernet Sauvignon offers bright red fruit aromas along with notes of black tea, olive, and baking spices. The wine has a balanced mouthfeel with a nice concentration of berry fruit on the mid-palate that leads to a cinnamon and spice finish. This bottling is richer than past vintages as is characteristic of the vintage.

What we say:

A mature Cabernet from one of the benchmark vineyards of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars estate — its 1994 FAY shows what well-stored Napa Cabernet can become with time.

On the nose: aromas of plum, dark raspberry and dried blackcurrant mingle with cedar-box spice, a hint of leather and faint dark-chocolate notes; there’s a perfumed, slightly dusty elegance that suggests cedar, tobacco and dark berry reduction. 

On the palate: medium-full bodied (by modern Napa standards), with smooth, fine-grained tannins and a balanced core of plum, black cherry and subtle raspberry fruit. Secondary layers of cedar, earth, dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate and baking-spice emerge, finishing with soft acidity and a gently savoury, slightly rustic finish. 

Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 

Aging: 21 months in 91% new French oak & 9% new American oak

Style: Mature Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - balanced, sensual, slightly tertiary with nuance and softness.

Drink window: Ready now but best enjoyed within 24 months of purchase

Perfect for: Roast beef or lamb, game dishes, aged hard cheeses, mushroom-based sauces, hearty stews - ideal with robust, savoury food.

Wine Spectator 92 points

A refined, evolved Napa classic from a golden era of California winemaking, FAY 1994 now offers gentle sophistication, mellow fruit, and depth that only years in bottle can deliver.

Please be aware that with all vintage wines, the natural corks may crumble if using a regular corkscrew. Please use proper uncorking tools and exercise caution.  Sediment will settle in the bottle over time therefore decanting prior to serving will remove this deposit. We're happy to advise - drop us a message or give us a call!