By Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
2021 Distinguished Vineyards - Rancho Chimiles Vineyard

Winemaker's Note
We are fortunate to source grapes from top Cabernet Sauvignon growers in the Napa Valley. To honor the vineyards that stand out, we produce our Distinguished Vineyards wines. In 2021, we chose Rancho Chimiles Vineyard in Wooden Valley as one of those vineyards because of its rich history and commitment to quality.

Vineyards and Winemaking
Tucked into the hills of Wooden Valley northeast of the town of Napa, the Rancho Chimiles vineyard is influenced by nearby San Pablo Bay, which funnels cool air and fog into the area in the evening and early morning hours. But at an elevation of 615 feet, the vineyard also receives plenty of sunshine. Terrence Wilson, owner of Rancho Chimiles and one of our longtime friends, is a meticulous grower whose farming philosophy matches our own. The 2021 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak. The wine was bottled without filtration.

Vintage
The 2021 growing season will be remembered as the second consecutive year of very dry conditions during winter and spring, for challenging weather during bloom, and heat, cold, wind, and rain during flowering. This resulted in a reduction in yield and more variability in the clusters themselves. We had classic Napa Valley weather during the heart of the growing season, with moderate temperatures and cool sea breezes in the afternoon and evening all summer. Early September saw a mini heat wave that pushed ripeness along, then a return to beautiful weather for the remainder of harvest. Berries were a little smaller than usual with loose clusters. Overall, this may be the best vintage for quality yet!

Wine
An elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black currant, black olives, lavender, licorice, and notes of dark chocolate. The wine has a pleasing coating texture with layers of boysenberry and mocha. The finish is long with a touch of cedar and spice. Enjoy this Cabernet with its Bordeaux-like style, with pappardelle with sausage ragu or braised short ribs.

Technical Details
Harvest: September 27 to October 5, 2021
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.96
Titratable Acidity: 0.50 g/100ml
Barrel Aging: 20 months in French oak (100% new)
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Release Date: October 2024
Winemaker: Marcus Notaro
[Information provided by Votto Vines]

Wine: STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Rancho Chimiles 2021
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042
Review Date: 10/2025
Reviewed By: J. D'Angelo
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Rancho Chimiles is deep and expressive from the outset, this wine reveals a layered bouquet blackcurrants, wild blueberries, and crushed violets, woven together with traces of graphite, violets, mocha and forest floor. The first sip delivers immediate richness, with concentrated dark fruit unfolding across a structured, full-bodied frame. There’s a graceful tension here as power meets precision, with vibrant acidity lifting the dense core. As it evolves, notes of spice, dark chocolate, and mineral complexity emerge, building toward a finish that is supple and lingering.

Wine: 2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Rancho Chimiles’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2040
Reviewed By: Owen Bargreen
Tasting Notes: Coming from this excellent vintage, the 2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Rancho Chimiles’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers pencil lead and violet rose petals on the nose alongside allspice dusted black currants. The palate has great power and poise with a terrific veil of tension that runs through the core of decadent dark fruits, with chocolate fudge and tobacco leaf accents. Glorious now in its heady youth, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years.