Review: 2019 Baldacci Family Vineyards Stags Leap Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

By Rob Theakston | February 7, 2023 |

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from the Baldacci family’s Stags Leap AVA vineyards in October 2019, and spent 24 months in 75% French new oak, and it certainly shows. It starts off in fine form with ripe strawberry, blackberry, and dark chocolate on the nose, but the oak influence makes its presence felt, eventually presenting earthier notes of graphite and tobacco leaf with a bit of time in the glass. A well-structured palate is led by a blast of berries folding into fresh vanilla bean (again, the oak influence), well-roasted coffee, and ultimately more dark chocolate and raspberry. The tannins are light but silky, and there’s bright acidity framing a lingering finish settling harmoniously between notes of strawberry, cassis, and dark cherry.

It is a challenge to comment on how time will enhance the quality of this wine: It’s already primed and ready to be enjoyed in its full splendor right now. However, if you can wait, you’ll have much more restraint than I would ever care to exhibit. This is a refined expression exhibiting classic Cabernet signatures firing on all cylinders and is an absolute stunner from start to finish, and will turn heads in almost any situation where it is presented.

A / $110 / baldaccivineyards.com [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]