This review is a result of a poll result wherein my viewers wanted me to review Stags’ Leap 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. One of my subscribers brought it to my attention that there are 2 Stags Leap wines so I decided to also review the Stag’s Leap 2018 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon as well.
Both wineries are situated in the Stags Leap wine region. The region is named after the popular local legend that in this region stags (male deer) eluded hunters by leaping across the regions landmark peaks or that they decided to jump to their death instead of being captured/killed by hunters
Stags’ Leap Winery has its origins back to 1893 when it first wines where produced (although under different ownership and probably under a different name). The modern history of the winery started in 1970 when Carl Doumani purchased a part of the estate. The winery was eventually sold to Beringer in 1996 and now belongs to Treasury Wine Estates (who bought Beringer). The 2017 vintage is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Merlot, 3.5% Malbec and 1.5% Petit Verdot. It is aged in 100% French oak for 20 months (37% new oak).
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was established also in 1970 by Warren Winiarski. In 2007 the winery was sold to Chateau Ste Michelle & Marchesi Antinori. Their wines are described as an iron fist in a velvet glove. Their famous SLV wine was first produced in 1972 and the 1973 vintage was used in the Judgment of Paris competition. After the success of Judgment of Paris competition, everyone was buying their wine but they felt that some people were confused between the 2 wineries. So Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars sued Stag’s Leap Winery to force them to change their name (I guess previously both wines used “Stags Leap” on their label). The courts decided that since both were established wineries and both had come out at the same time, it wouldn’t be fair to have only 1 Stags Leap. So they decided that one winery would be called Stag’s Leap and the other Stags’ Leap. Didn’t clear up the confusion as I think most people think they are the same winery.
The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2018 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. It is aged in both American and French oak for 15 month (40% new oak).Artemis was first produced in 2001 and is named after the Greek goddess of the hunt.
Stags’ Leap 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon sells for $57.99 while Stags’ Leap 2018 Artemis sells for $86.99
For more information about Stags’ Leap Winery, please visit their website at For more information about Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, please visit their website at