97 points - Wine Enthusiast
94 points - Wine Spectator
"This is one of the best SLVs I have tasted with total balance and structure that highlights what was possible in 2018. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and poised, with layer upon layer of fine tannins that give depth and beauty to this young red. Blackcurrant, blueberry and floral flavors. Tight at the end. Needs until 2025 to really show what it has."
97 points - James Suckling
"The 2018 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is a fabulous release from Stag's Leap Cellars. Winemaker Marcus Notaro has been producing wonderful wines and this is one of the most impressive releases to date from this historic winery. It begins with striking aromatics of ripe blackberries, dark currants and plums which are woven together with spices, graphite shavings, gravel, tobacco, cocoa powder and spring florals that all come together and soar from the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied, concentrated and beautifully textured, with remarkable overall structure and balance. It goes on to impress as delicious flavors of ripe dark fruits, spices and mocha continue expand seamlessly from its core and envelop the long, supple finish. The 2018 S.L.V. is a complete success in this vintage, and while already delicious, it also has the building blocks to age gracefully for many years to come."
97 points - Jeb Dunnuck