2021 Stag's Leap ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon

Imagine taking an aerial tour of Napa Valley, flying over the patchwork of vineyards that  have made the valley and its wines famous. The grapes for ARTEMIS are sourced from a  unique collection of these sites. The 2021 blend is derived from a spectrum of fruit grown for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars by independent growers from across the Napa Valley  including: 51% Atlas Peak District; 14% Battuello Vineyard in St. Helena, 12% Arcadia  Vineyard in Coombsville and 5% Twin Creeks Vineyard in Wooden Valley, along with some grapes from the Stags Leap District. Each site lends its personality to the aroma, flavor,  structure and texture of the finished wine. This wine is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with 1%  Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Malbec and 0.5% Merlot for added layers of complexity. The wine  was aged for 15 months in 33% new French Oak and 67% older French oak barrels. The  wine was very lightly filtered at bottling.

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season will be remembered for being the second consecutive year of  very dry conditions during winter and spring and for challenging weather during bloom  and heat, cold, wind, and rain during flowering. This resulted in a reduction in yield and  more variability on 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 I’ve seen yet!

TASTING NOTES

The 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon offers inviting aromas of boysenberry, plum,  currant, chocolate and baking spice. The rich and creamy entrance leads to a fresh and  flavorful mid-palate. The wine is full-bodied with rich fruit flavors and integrated tannins  that are persistent and plush.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled tri-tip, braised short ribs, or pasta with wild mushrooms and prosciutto.

Analysis
Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Malbec, 0.5% Merlot
Aging: 15 months, 33% new French oak, 67% older French oak
Alcohol: 14.8%
TA: 0.52 g/100ml
pH: 3.82