# Cellarius Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 13%, Petit Verdot 1%
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €80
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, red currant, floral, vanilla, toast, cedar, baking spice

## About this wine

The 2023 Cellarius Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is a distinguished red wine from Napa Valley's Stags Leap District. The 'Cellarius' series pays homage to the winery's cellar team and features unique celestial artwork on each bottle. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is a historic estate, renowned for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, famously recognized after the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The 2023 vintage was particularly favorable, with a cool growing season promoting slow ripening and resulting in wines with excellent structure, acidity, and deep fruit expression.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Cellarius' is Latin for 'cellarer,' a tribute to the winery's dedicated team.
- Each Cellarius bottle features a different engraving from Andreas Cellarius's 'Harmonia Macrocosmica'.
- The 2023 vintage is considered one of Napa's best in recent memory.
- Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international fame at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and full body are well-suited to complement the richness of grilled red meats and braised dishes. Its dark fruit notes and savory undertones pair harmoniously with earthy mushrooms and herbs, while the balanced acidity cuts through richer sauces and fats.

## Wine making process

The 2023 Cellarius Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from a blend dominated by 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 13% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, all sourced from the Stags Leap District. Following fermentation, the wine underwent an extensive aging process of 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 69% of the oak being new. This meticulous approach to oak aging is designed to integrate the wine's fruit, structure, and oak-derived complexities, aiming for a balanced and age-worthy final product.