30 Vintages of Fay

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Celebrates this World-Class Wine

BY MELISSA VOGT | Photos courtesy of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

When it comes to history in Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of the first producers that come to mind. This storied estate, made famous by the 1976 Judgment of Paris, was founded in 1970. In 2022, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is celebrating the 30th vintage of the single-vineyard FAY Cabernet Sauvignon.

The FAY Vineyard was established by pioneering grape grower Nathan Fay in 1961 and was the first Cabernet Sauvignon planted south of Rutherford. At the time of planting, the area’s climate was considered too cool for growing Cabernet. The story of the FAY Vineyard is such that Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ founder purchased the land adjacent to Nathan Fay’s vineyard after having tasted and enjoyed Fay’s homemade wine; at the time, Fay was selling his grapes to local producers such as Heitz. It wasn’t until 1986 that Fay was ready to sell his land and looked to neighboring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which quickly purchased the 66-acre vineyard plot and set to work replanting.

The new FAY Vineyard—respectfully named in Nathan Fay’s honor—was planted in an experimental fashion with different row orientations, trellising, and a wide variety of clones and rootstocks. The intent was to study the vineyards to see what worked best, and that style of experimentation is alive and well in the vineyard today. “The heart of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is undoubtedly our estate vineyards, and the FAY vineyard is truly special. It’s one of the most unique vineyards I’ve ever worked, due to the experimental aspect of the vineyard,” winemaker Marcus Notaro said.

The first single-vineyard FAY Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1990, and this year marks the release of the 2019 vintage of this renowned Napa Valley wine. “The vineyard produces fruit with an abundance of supple red and black berry character, voluptuous perfume, and a luscious, fine-grained texture. I put a real emphasis on selecting the right barrels to highlight these characters in the wine,” Notaro stated. “The style of FAY not only has a unique personality but great aging potential as well.”

The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2019 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon will be officially released in May. A combination of premium FAY Vineyard blocks, the 2019 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of its site. Oenophiles will be welcomed with special release-weekend Bold in color and style, the wine offers an enticing bouquet events, unique library wine experiences, and ways to purchase selective library wines in celebration.

2019 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon

A combination of premium FAY Vineyard blocks, the 2019 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of its site. Bold in color and style, the wine offers an enticing bouquet of raspberry and wild boysenberry, with hints of baking spice and white flowers. Dark red fruit abound on the palate— black cherry and crème de cassis couple nicely with refined tannins and a long finish. This Cabernet is a refined powerhouse that’s drinkable now and built for cellaring.

Fay Release-Weekend Events

Winemaker Dinner

Friday, May 6th $350 per person, $299 per club member

Led by Winemaker Marcus Notaro, guests will enjoy an elegant, multi-course meal prepared by in-house chef Travis Westrope. Each course will be paired with incredible wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, including the 2019 FAY Cabernet.

Vineyard Walk + Lunch

Saturday, May 7th $325 per person, $275 per club member

Led by Vineyard Manager Kirk Grace and Winemaker Marcus Notaro, wine enthusiasts will explore the FAY Vineyard and learn about the land before enjoying an alfresco lunch under the oak trees. Lunch will be paired with new wine releases, including the 2019 FAY Cabernet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.stagsleapwinecellars.com