Chimney Rock Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (2019)

93 James Suckling A creamy, succulent red with aromas of mulberries, raspberries, walnut cream and sweet spices. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Plush, flavorful finish. Delicious already but better after 2023.

93 Decanter Winemaker and general manager Elizabeth Vianna first began working at Chimney Rock as a harvest intern in 1999, and has served as president of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. Here she's crafted an elegant expression of the AVA, with plenty of power and drive. Lifted aromas of bright red and black berry, graphite and a sweet minty herbaceousness continue on the palate, alongside sandalwood, lavender and cassis.

92 Wine Enthusiast Supple, layered and brooding in rich red fruit, this wine is lush and energetic in its youth. Toasted oak adds notes of baking spice and vanilla to the grand, decadent style.

92 Jeb Dunnuck A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District shows the complex, perfumed, elegant style of this appellation nicely, with plenty of red and black fruits, notes of tobacco, chalky minerality, and spice, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Chimney Rock's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, with 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak, the wood is relatively restrained here, adding just hints of cedar and vanilla to the raspberry, cassis and cherry aromas. Medium to full-bodied, supple and silky, this is a fun, easy-to-drink Cabernet for drinking over the next decade.