About This Wine
The 2023 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon captures the depth, polish and unmistakable character of Napa Valley Cabernet in what is already being hailed as one of the region’s most extraordinary modern vintages. Produced by the historic estate whose 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon transformed the reputation of American wine at the Judgment of Paris, ARTEMIS combines ca...
About This Wine
The 2023 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon captures the depth, polish and unmistakable character of Napa Valley Cabernet in what is already being hailed as one of the region’s most extraordinary modern vintages. Produced by the historic estate whose 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon transformed the reputation of American wine at the Judgment of Paris, ARTEMIS combines carefully selected fruit from distinguished vineyards throughout Napa Valley with a portion of estate-grown grapes, creating a Cabernet of impressive richness, precision and accessibility.
The epic 2023 Napa Valley harvest unfolded during one of the longest and coolest growing seasons the region had experienced in more than a decade. Abundant winter rainfall replenished reservoirs and saturated vineyard soils, while mild summer days, cool evening breezes and an extended autumn allowed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The resulting wines possess exceptional color, aromatic definition, freshness and beautifully mature tannins. Napa Valley Vintners officially described 2023 as “The Vintage of a Lifetime,” while Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has suggested it may prove to be the vintage of the decade.
In the glass, the 2023 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive aromas of ripe black currant, Bing cherry and blackberry compote, layered with cedar, fresh tobacco leaf and subtle oak spice. The palate is rich and generously flavored yet remarkably poised, delivering concentrated dark fruit, savory complexity and polished tannins that glide across the palate. Notes of dark chocolate and cassis emerge through the long, persistent finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the structure to develop gracefully in the cellar.
The final blend is 97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Merlot. It was matured for 14 months in 100% French oak, including 57% new barrels, lending refinement, texture and gentle notes of cedar and spice without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.
Elegant enough for a celebratory dinner yet generous enough to enjoy upon release, the 2023 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding expression of Napa Valley Cabernet from a potentially historic vintage. Pair it with prime rib, grilled filet mignon, braised short ribs, rosemary lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto or aged cheeses. For collectors and Napa Cabernet enthusiasts alike, this is a compelling opportunity to secure a benchmark wine from the magnificent 2023 harvest.
Score
95 points, Decanter.
