2019 5500 Stags Leap

This has terrific complexity with wet earth, bark, mushrooms, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Full-bodied with silky tannins that spread across the palate and then melt into the wine. Chewy and rich, yet so well tailored. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot. This is very structured in a ultra-classical way. Please wait for five or six years to open. Try after 2027. (03/2023)

Coming from a hillside vineyard in the Stags Leap District, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 is based on 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, and there are a scant 330 cases produced. Reminding me of a First Growth Bordeaux with its currants, unsmoked tobacco, cedar pencil, and dried flower aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, pure, elegant texture, ripe yet polished tannins, and an undeniable sense of minerality on the finish. As classy as they come, this gorgeous Cabernet has plenty of up-front appeal yet will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise over the following 20-25 years. (12/2021)