Stags Leap Wine Cellars 2023 ARTEMIS Cabernet

The 2023 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling expression of Napa Valley’s extraordinary 2023 vintage, combining the richness of perfectly ripened Cabernet Sauvignon with the freshness, precision, and refined structure that have made this celebrated producer a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet. Named for the Greek goddess of the hunt, ARTEMIS represents a meticulous pursuit of exceptional vineyard sources, bringing together some of Napa Valley’s most distinguished growing regions with estate-grown fruit to create a Cabernet Sauvignon that captures the character of the valley while retaining the unmistakable elegance of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. The result is a beautifully composed wine that delivers generous dark fruit, sophisticated complexity, and the structure to reward years of cellaring.

The 2023 growing season may ultimately be remembered as one of the great Napa Valley vintages of the decade. Ample winter rainfall replenished reservoirs and saturated vineyard soils, providing valuable resources for the growing season ahead. Cooler spring temperatures delayed bud break until mid-April, while consistently cool conditions continued through flowering. Summer brought nearly ideal conditions, with warm, sunny afternoons moderated by refreshing coastal breezes in the late afternoon and evening. This extended, even ripening period allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to develop remarkable flavor concentration while preserving freshness, natural acidity, and balance. The resulting wines possess an appealing combination of expressive fruit, polished tannins, and exceptional aging potential.

What distinguishes ARTEMIS is the thoughtful selection of vineyards throughout Napa Valley, with particular attention to sites capable of delivering freshness and balance in a warmer vintage. Atlas Peak provides an impressive 42% of the blend, bringing mountain-grown character and structure, while Arcadia Vineyard in Coombsville contributes 11% of its distinctive cooler-climate expression. Battuello Vineyards in St. Helena supplies another 11%, complemented by Twin Creeks at 9%, estate-grown Elia at 4%, and Rancho Chimiles in Wooden Valley at 3%. This carefully orchestrated combination of vineyard sources creates layers of regional character that give ARTEMIS its distinctive personality.

In the glass, the 2023 ARTEMIS opens with expressive aromas of ripe currants and Bing cherries, beautifully complemented by cedar, fresh tobacco leaf, and blackberry compote. Full-bodied and generously flavored, the palate reveals concentrated blackcurrant and dark fruit, supported by polished tannins and a lively sense of balance. Dark chocolate nuances emerge as the wine develops, adding richness and depth without compromising its elegance. Composed of 97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with small additions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, the wine spent 14 months in French oak, 57% new. The finish is long, savory, and persistent, leaving an impression of depth and refinement. For anyone seeking an outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the exceptional 2023 vintage, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS deserves serious attention.

Alcohol: 14.8%

95 POINTS - "Primary vineyard sources are estate-owned and span multiple Napa Valley sites: 42% from Atlas Peak (notably the Antica Estate), 11% from Coombsville (Arcadia), 11% from St Helena, 11% from Calistoga, and 3% from the Stags Leap District. The wine was fermented entirely in stainless steel, then aged for 14 months in 57% new French oak. Fragrant aromatics of dark berry fruit lead, layered with bay laurel and sagebrush freshness, cassis, and a lift of graphite. The palate delivers excellent density and poise, framed by polished tannins and loamy, volcanic earth, with rich Indian spice accents and salty, crushed-stone minerality carrying through the long, resonant finish." - Decanter

93 POINTS - "A substantial, firm-textured wine that offers dark cherry and plum flavors complemented by spicy, peppery, toasty accents. Quite trim and restrained on the palate and well balanced and persistent in the finish." - James Suckling

93 POINTS - "The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is fabulous. Black cherry, plum, lavender, licorice and chocolate are front and center. Brisk acids lend freshness to this boisterous, hugely delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Best of all, the 2023 is a terrific value. It will drink well on release." - Vinous

91 POINTS - "Approximately 70% of the Artemis bottling now comes from Antinori-owned vineyards, with the balance made up of purchased fruit. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a fine example, with gentle herbal shadings of sage and thyme bringing savory complexity to the cassis and cherry fruit along with hints of cedar and mocha. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky in texture, with a sprinkling of fine-grained tannins on the finish. Enjoy this fairly priced wine over the next decade." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Expressive aromas of ripe currants and Bing cherries, complemented by subtle hints of cedar, fresh tobacco leaf, and blackberry compote. On the palate, it is rich and flavorful, featuring a lively, well-balanced mouthfeel. Polished tannins coat the palate, delivering persistent flavors of dark chocolate and black currant. The finish is long and savory, characterized by depth and lingering complexity that encourages another sip.