No way you can drink just one glass of this magnificent, rich, even decadent wine. It can’t be beat for the sheer sumptuousness of its rich cassis flavors and soft intricate tannins. Absolutely delicious now in its youth, yet complex and ageworthy.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
In a good vintage, which 2009 was, Silverado’s Solo bottling is always worthy of aging. It would be a tragedy to open this 100% Cabernet before 2018, and even then it might be too early. Dry and full bodied, this offers complex blackberry and cassis flavors, with a grounding herbal quality suggestive of sage. The tannins are profound, making the wine tight now.
— S.H.
(11/1/2012)
Not ready to open now, it’s just too tannic, although the flavors are so ripe and lush, they erupt right through the numbing astringency. Floods the mouth with ripe red stone fruits, berries and currants, as well as earthier notes of herbs, carob and minerals. The oak is strongly sensed, but entirely in keeping with the wine’s volume. Cellar this very fine wine…
— S.H.
(10/1/2010)
An absolutely gorgeous Cabernet. It flatters all the way through, from the flamboyantly ripe cassis, cherry, cocoa and anise flavors to the smooth tannins and long, spicy finish. So refined and rich, yet so elegant. Should age for at least the next 6–8 years.
— S.H.
(9/1/2011)
Another fabulous Cab from this supernatural vintage. It stuns for the ripeness of the blackcurrant, cherry and chocolate fruit, and the richness of the soft, sweet tannins. So easy to drink, yet never loses its sense of balance, harmony and complexity.
— S.H.
(12/31/2004)
Beautiful Cabernet. Has all the big, ripe juicy fruit and lavish oak of most Napa Cabs, plus elegance and harmonious balance, the hallmarks of tasteful, knowledgeable winemaking. Gets better and more interesting as it warms in the glass. Hard to believe it’s this good with the high case production.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Oh, what a perfect expression of Stags Leap this is. The 100% Cab does have a soft voluptuousness, but it’s also strong in tannins, and packed with black currant and cherry flavors. Absolutely delicious now, and should hold and improve through 2015 at least.
— S.H.
(3/1/2006)
Silverado’s estate 2003 Cab is a worthy followup to their ’02. So classy, only Napa makes Cabs this balanced, rich and ageworthy, and this one from Stags Leap defines Tchelistcheff’s description of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Great now, although young, and will age effortlessly for at least 10 years, probably longer.
— S.H.
(5/1/2007)