STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS FAY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006

Style Summary

A mature and historically significant single-vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet from the legendary FAY Vineyard. The 2006 combines the vineyard’s characteristic generosity and supple texture with red and dark fruit, sweet spice and the increasingly complex savory character that comes with bottle age.

Region / Grape / Style

Region: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Vineyard: FAY Vineyard
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Style: Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 24 months in French oak

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Mature red cherry and blackberry are joined by anise, nutmeg and allspice, developing toward cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, leather and subtle earthy notes with time in the glass.

Palate:
Rich yet elegant, with ripe cherry and blackberry fruit at its core. The fruit is complemented by sweet spice, cedar and evolved savory notes, while the characteristic softness of FAY gives the wine an inviting, polished texture.

Structure:
Medium-to-full bodied with mature, finely integrated tannins. FAY traditionally shows a softer and more voluptuous personality than the more structured S.L.V. vineyard, and bottle age has further softened the wine’s architecture.

Finish:
Long and warming, with lingering dark cherry, spice, cedar and earthy complexity.

Summary

FAY is one of the historic vineyards of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Nathan Fay planted Cabernet Sauvignon here in 1961, at a time when many believed the area was too cool for the variety. Warren Winiarski tasted Fay’s homemade Cabernet in 1969 and recognized the extraordinary potential of the site, helping inspire the creation of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

The vineyard combines volcanic-influenced soils closer to the Palisades with more alluvial sections to the west, producing a Cabernet that balances structure with perfume, richness and suppleness.

The 2006 growing season began cool and wet before a period of significant summer warmth, followed by mild conditions that allowed a long, measured ripening period. The resulting wine displays the generous fruit and velvety character for which FAY is renowned.

Vintage Notes — 2006

A vintage characterized by a delayed start to the growing season, followed by considerable July heat and then a long period of moderate weather through late summer and harvest. The extended ripening period helped develop ripe fruit while maintaining the balance and aromatic character associated with FAY.

At almost two decades of bottle age, well-stored examples should now show considerably more tertiary complexity than they did on release.

Drinking Window

Recommended: Now–2029

This is a mature Cabernet and I would favor enjoying it now rather than holding it indefinitely. Bottle condition and provenance will be particularly important at this age.

Serving: 16–18°C / 60–65°F
Decanting: Stand the bottle upright beforehand. Decant carefully for sediment and initially give it approximately 20–30 minutes rather than prolonged aeration; an older bottle should be assessed as it opens.

Food Pairing

Excellent with Beef Tenderloin, Ribeye, Roast Lamb, Duck Breast, Braised Short Rib, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Truffle Dishes and aged hard cheeses.

A particularly elegant pairing would be Roasted Lamb with Rosemary, Wild Mushrooms & Cabernet Jus.