We were really happy to see this bottle land in Costco stores this week. And instantly had to note the 2021 vintage.
Turns out, we never found the 2020 vintage which should have arrived in August of last year (2022). So the last time we saw this wine was in August of 2021 with the 2019 vintage. Glad that it wasn’t discontinued (an online search couldn’t turn up a photo from anywhere else of the 2020 vintage; it is mentioned on the placard below).
And we noticed a rare price decrease, only $1 but it is down to $22.99 from the 2019 vintage’s $23.99 price tag. What a bargain, for a wine from one of our favorite areas of Napa where most Cabs start at $40-$50.
High scores for this bottle throughout the years, with the prior two vintages we tasted both hitting 91 points. And let’s call it a trifecta with the 2021.
2013 90 points
2014 88 points
2016 89 points
2017 89 points
2018 91 points
2019 91 points
As we noted last year, the wine needs a little air to really open up. Medium ruby on the pour; pencil shavings, earth, pepper on the nose; flavors of dark fruit, mostly black cherry with blackberry, plum; more pepper and spice in the finish; pretty youthful and tasty now, but cellerable for a few years.
Get these bottles while you can because they will sell out quick. We’ll be adding this one, once again, to our Top Picks list with a big thumbs up.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points (a Costco Wine Blog Top Pick)
Costco item number: 505081
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 15%
Mimi
Saturday 19th of August 2023
Stags Leap Cab not available in Sonoma or Marin Costco. Reno is the closest location and was told they are hoarding the wine with plenty in stock and more on the way.
Janet B
Saturday 4th of November 2023
@Janet B,
Update: I found this wine in Danville, CA the week of October 15th.
Janet B
Wednesday 30th of August 2023
@Mimi, Do you mean that the Stags Leap won't come to Sonoma or Marin Costcos at all? We haven't seen it in Danville,CA and still hope it will show up.
Jeff Ottaviano
Monday 14th of August 2023
Most Napa wineries didn't make a 2020 because of the fires and smoke that year before harvest.
Evan Collins
Sunday 13th of August 2023
Where can I get the sugar content of the wines?
Don
Tuesday 15th of August 2023
@Evan Collins, why do you ask? Most dry reds have half a percent or less. Residual sugar in most table wines is very low and not much of a calorie problem.
mince
Saturday 12th of August 2023
recently i cracked(8/7/2023) a 2017 stags leap..It was delicious full body tannin were still still there. My costco wayne NJ, sold out in 7 days.. glad i picked up 4 that will age in the bottle for a few more years.
Henry
Sunday 13th of August 2023
@mince, I follow a similar pattern, age the current and open those that have been in the cellar 1-3 years. Currently working on the 2018 Oakville batch! Was happy to see the SL 2021 vintage in the local store in NoVA. Such a great value.
Marcus
Saturday 12th of August 2023
Picked up some this week in local Costco in Glenview, IL. Will put aside for the winter months and try then