Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Fay Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
From magnum; poured into a decanter just prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 Fay pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of cassis, blackberries, Poblano pepper, tobacco, leather, inorganic earth, and a pleasant mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with a nice mineral zip. What a lovely expression of Fay. In this larger format, everything is currently in balance. The acid was welcomed with the grilled ribeye and this felt more like a classic expression from the 70’s than the more modern fruit bombs. Impressed. Drink now through 2045.
From magnum; poured into a decanter just prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 Fay pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of cassis, blackberries, Poblano pepper, tobacco, leather, inorganic earth, and a pleasant mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with a nice mineral zip. What a lovely expression of Fay. In this larger format, everything is currently in balance. The acid was welcomed with the grilled ribeye and this felt more like a classic expression from the 70’s than the more modern fruit bombs. Impressed. Drink now through 2045.
Aug 8th, 2026
I have yet to have a Stag's Leap cabernet I didn't enjoy. This was no exception. This lacks the complexity of the Cask 23 or the SLV. However it's in a good place now, but unlikely to get better. The nose is still quite pronounced, but the tannins have softened and there's just enough fruit left to balance things.
I have yet to have a Stag's Leap cabernet I didn't enjoy. This was no exception. This lacks the complexity of the Cask 23 or the SLV. However it's in a good place now, but unlikely to get better. The nose is still quite pronounced, but the tannins have softened and there's just enough fruit left to balance things.
2 people found it helpfulFeb 12th, 2016
Fruity nose, well balanced, short finish
Fruity nose, well balanced, short finish
Jan 3rd, 20222005 fay
Quite floral and fragrant. 9.0. Quite good.
2005 fay
Quite floral and fragrant. 9.0. Quite good.
Decided to open another Stag's and it definitely was not a bad decision!
Decided to open another Stag's and it definitely was not a bad decision!
Dec 10th, 2016I really enjoyed this bottle. It's perfect now. People talk about 2007, 2010 and lately 2013 and 2014 for Napa vintages, and I can't really say they're wrong, but 2005 - for me - is a gem. I know this isn't their flagship, and I know $50 for a bottle isn't inexpensive, but wow. This is the fifth of six bottles in the the cellar and it makes me hesitant to drink the last. Fantastic. Everything is there - fruit, tannins, aromas, finish, mouth feel. Just a great bottle.
I really enjoyed this bottle. It's perfect now. People talk about 2007, 2010 and lately 2013 and 2014 for Napa vintages, and I can't really say they're wrong, but 2005 - for me - is a gem. I know this isn't their flagship, and I know $50 for a bottle isn't inexpensive, but wow. This is the fifth of six bottles in the the cellar and it makes me hesitant to drink the last. Fantastic. Everything is there - fruit, tannins, aromas, finish, mouth feel. Just a great bottle.
Aug 20th, 2016
In magnum. 10 years old. The perfect amount of age for this wine. Only needed 30-45 minutes to really open up. Full bodied wine with wonderful cherry/blackberry and leather tastes and smells. Classic Napa cab. Went perfectly with the 4 rib prime rib roast we had for dinner!
In magnum. 10 years old. The perfect amount of age for this wine. Only needed 30-45 minutes to really open up. Full bodied wine with wonderful cherry/blackberry and leather tastes and smells. Classic Napa cab. Went perfectly with the 4 rib prime rib roast we had for dinner!
Dec 30th, 2015Been laid down in the wine cellar for 7 years. Enjoying with close friend and, damn it's good. Complex with many flavors across the tongue. Wish you were here.
Been laid down in the wine cellar for 7 years. Enjoying with close friend and, damn it's good. Complex with many flavors across the tongue. Wish you were here.
Dec 24th, 2015