Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Hands of Time Red 2018 (Stag's Leap Wine Cellars)

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ranks amongst one of Napa Valley’s most legendary producers thanks to the dramatic Judgement of Paris wine tasting in 1976 which saw the region’s wines beat top Bordeaux wines from the likes of Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. The winery was founded by Warren Winiarski who gave up an academic career to study under famed winemaker Robert Mondavi. It was Winiarski’s 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon which was voted to first place by leading French critics, putting Napa on the map for world class wine. Hands of Time is a remarkable Bordeaux-style blend which clearly demonstrates that Stag’s Leap hasn’t lost their touch nearly half a century after that victory in France. The cuvee is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with smaller quantities of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 21 months before bottling. The result is a truly handsome Bordeaux blend that’s bursting with luscious dark fruit and hints of spice, woodsmoke, and earthy undertones. A generous full body is matched aby firm tannins and a well-built structure, making this a great partner for a prime ribeye steak, beef cheeks, rich stews, or barbecued ribs.