Started by Warren and Barbara Winiarski, in 1970, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was one of the first wineries to land a spot on the map during the Napa Valley wine revolution that began in the late 1960s. Having tasted several selections of Cabernet Sauvignon from the soon-to-be neighboring Fay vineyard, located in the Stags Leap District, Winiarski decided then and there that this was the site to grow his grapes.

The first vineyard purchased, S.L.V. (short for Stag's Leap Vineyard) was largely founded on alluvial and volcanic soil, allowing for solid drainage and well positioned to maximize afternoon sun balanced by consistently cool evenings.

S.L.V. was devoted almost entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon and continues to grow that theme today. Just six years into the winemaking business, the little known winery was thrust into the worldwide wine spotlight with its estate-grown 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon, after scoring a monumental win at the historic 1976 Paris Tasting. Ironically, this blind tasting hosted a prestigious panel of French judges that gave both a California Cab and Chardonnay the title of top wines for the competition. This victory launched Stag's Leap Wine Cellars onto a path of unexpected notoriety, while simultaneously securing the Napa Valley a spot on the international wine stage.

Today, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' rich history lives on with legacy, estate-grown Cabernet. Though Winiarski is no longer at the helm, he ensured that the capable hands of Ste.

Michelle Wine Estates and Italy's Marchesi Antinori would continue to build on both the rich heritage and track record of success that has long been associated with wines from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

To commemorate the 35th Anniversary Judgment of Paris Tasting, I had the privilege of sneaking a peek at the 2008 vintage release during Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Preview Tasting. This unique tasting was led by Nicki Pruss, one of the most dynamic yet down to earth winemakers around. A quick wit and keen perspective reminds Nicki that each vintage begins with, "Trying to domesticate something that's wild (grape vines).” She went on to offer up a lighthearted explanation of how she views her role in the vineyard, “My job as the winemaker is kind of like being a grape herder...you keep checking on the grapes and when it's time, you call them in." And call them in she does, consistently producing world class wines in an elegant, Old World style.

The anniversary tasting also included a detailed, boots on the ground tour of the historic vineyards with Kirk Grace, the estate’s vineyard manager. Kirk comes from a family that knows what it takes to grow extraordinary grapes to create some of Napa Valley's most sought after boutique wines at Grace Family Vineyards. As a Cal Poly grad and a leader in both integrated pest management and sustainable vineyard practices, Kirk brings both innovation and experience to the vines at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Together Nicki and Kirk have forged an energetic partnership built on a working knowledge of the land, an emphasis on teamwork and an extraordinary commitment to ensuring that only the best grapes are candidates for the glass.

Tasting notes on the 2008 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars FAY, S.L.V. and CASK 23 Wines

To see where wine legends are made is one thing, to taste the generational tradition years later is quite another.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2008 FAY ($95) - A brilliant ruby-red Cabernet Sauvignon with the enticing aromas of bing cherry, plum and a lovely florality supported by earthy undertones. On the palate a cascade of compelling fruit pushes to the forefront, expect both the cherry and plum to perform a second, though more subtle, debut accompanied by the rich oak influences of vanilla and allspice. The full-flavored finish showcases lingering plum, spice and an ongoing, persistent elegance. "Balance, elegance and restraint," are the stated goals for the estate Cabernet by winemaker, Nicki Pruss. Mission accomplished!

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2008 S.L.V. ($125) - With fruit sourced from the winery's original vineyard plot, the 2008 S.L.V. brings some serious dark fruit to the table. The nose opens with the charming notes of blackberry and vanilla and proceeds to a full-bodied, intensity on the palate with concentrated fruit factors that play well with the innate structure and complexity that is S.L.V. It's interesting to note that the S.L.V. Cab is the estate Cab that is modeled after the wine that won the Paris Tasting.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2008 CASK 23 ($195) - CASK 23 combines the best of both vineyards, FAY and S.L.V., to make the estate's crème de la crème Cabernet Sauvignon. Beginning with the opening aromas of violet, dark chocolate and spicy cedar nuances, CASK 23 captivates from the get-go with intricate, aromatic intensity. The full-bodied palate profile carries the wine's dark berry fruit full throttle towards the heavenly flavors of cocoa and coffee, closing with a riveting finish that models the perfect balance of power and grace.

Visit Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

The Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' tasting room is open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

5766 Silverado Trail

Napa, CA 94558

Phone: 866.422.7523 (toll free)

Website:www.cask23.com

Email: customerservice@cask23.com

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary travel for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.