Gateway

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Artemis is the gateway wine of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, one of Napa’s most iconic producers, remembered for its Judgment of Paris triumph in 1976. The 2014 vintage sits in a sweet spot: accessible, polished, and still carrying the hallmarks of Napa’s valley-floor fruit. This blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small percentages of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot layered in for balance.

Aromas & Flavors
Inviting notes of ripe blackberry, cassis, and black cherry lead the way, accented by cedar, vanilla, and hints of graphite. Subtle secondary notes of mocha and baking spice emerge as it opens in the glass, showing both freshness and depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Polished, silky textures glide across the palate, finishing with a long echo of dark fruit, oak spice, and a touch of savory herb.

Winemaking Notes
Aged around 15–20 months in French oak, Artemis strikes a balance between power and approachability. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ style is always about elegance over sheer force, and this vintage highlights that philosophy.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, herb-crusted lamb, or hearty mushroom risotto. Its elegance also makes it a great match with aged cheddar or gouda.

Verdict
A graceful Napa Cabernet that proves why Stag’s Leap remains a benchmark. The 2014 Artemis is in a perfect drinking window now—refined, approachable, and still true to the estate’s legacy of elegance.
— 22 days ago

Ted, ESF and 1 other liked this

Tassi

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2015

Sour cherry and chocolate also espresso notes. High abv but in balance. From southern area of Montalcino where hot and dry. Great gateway Brunello for your cabernet drinking friends. — 2 years ago

Hubert Lamy

Les Chataigners Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2018

Bwah! What can I say? Olivier just makes wines that I’m incredibly fond of and this was no exception. For me, the Lamy Bourgogne punches assuredly above its weight class (though proper AB comparisons are still in order to validate this). It’s just the detail and intensity that gets to me. Soars in the glass with aromas of citrus, green apple, iodine, and a touch of herbaceous elements. The flavours follow through to the palate with mind-boggling delineation. Pure, bracing, weighty, long, and so so chalky that even the most seasoned of taster might call this a Chablis. Damn it, I need more! I certainly put the entire table onto these wines with this pull - the perfect gateway drug to the world of Lamy. — 3 years ago

Jan, Andrew and 11 others liked this

Derey Freres

Les Vignes Marie Marsannay Pinot Noir 2021

Domaine Derey Frères – Marsannay “Les Vignes Marie” 2021 🇫🇷
Marsannay AOC, Côte de Nuits – Burgundy, France

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from Marsannay, the only Côte de Nuits village allowed to produce wines in all three colors (red, white, and rosé). “Les Vignes Marie” is a standout parcel that shows the classic finesse of Burgundy Pinot while keeping Marsannay’s hallmark freshness and approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry lead the nose, with hints of rose petal, subtle spice, and earthy forest floor. A touch of mineral undertone brings lift and precision.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins, lively acidity, and a refined structure. Balanced and supple, finishing with freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Winemaking Notes
The Derey family has been established in Marsannay since the mid-17th century, and their work focuses on organic farming and gentle cellar practices. The 2021 vintage, cooler and classic in style, emphasizes delicacy over power.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Its finesse makes it versatile across light meats and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Verdict
A graceful Burgundy Pinot that captures Marsannay’s balance between Côte de Nuits structure and charming approachability. For me, this sits as one of my most favorite wines in the Côte de Nuits — at a very affordable price point, it punches well above its weight and shows how Burgundy can still deliver tremendous value.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why Marsannay Matters
Marsannay, at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, is often overshadowed by its neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin. But its wines deliver exceptional value, showing Pinot Noir with purity, finesse, and terroir character — a smart entry point into Burgundy without the Grand Cru price tag. Cheers!
— a month ago

Ted and Daniel liked this

Raul Pérez

Ultreia Saint Jacques Mencía 2020

Raul’s gateway drug. Start here. — 2 years ago

Ira, Juan and 9 others liked this

Pazo de Barrantes

Rías Baixas Albariño 2018

Albariño was one of my gateway white wines and perhaps is partially responsible for my continued love of high acid low oak whites. This is really lip smackingly crisp, quite high levels of acid, but also a bit more body than I normally associate with Albariño. Nice. — 5 years ago

Lyle, Jason and 6 others liked this

Innocent Bystander

Known Pleasures Gateway Shiraz 2014

Dark dense Ruby in colour - impenetrable - almost black. Intense black fruits - black currant with a note of creosote. Rich and sumptuous on the full bodied palate, approaching blockbuster. A style of Shiraz that McLaren Vale does so well. Soft smooth pliant tannins. Great length and persistence. A good cooler weather red. Made by Steve Flamsteed of Giant Steps fame. — 4 months ago

Ray, Daniel and 16 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Ron R Sorry Ron. The message I sent to Cec was meant for you. Cheers.
Ceccherini Cristiano

Ceccherini Cristiano Influencer Badge

All good
I remember going to the restaurant few years ago and it was like one thing the two wineries. Now i have no idea.
I still remember a great pizza there and a bad service, both stauck in my head.
Btw i had never seen this label back then.
I can ask my friends in Melbourne what's going on with that.
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

No probs, @Ceccherini Cristiano Actually, I think this wine may be available in the U.S. I need to check again…

Ladera Sagrada

Castelo do Papa Valdeorras Godello

100% Godello - Do Valdeorras - Gateway to Galicia (said w a lisp) Northwest Spain just outside Rias Baixas and northern Portugal.
Perfectly served w pulpo gallego, (octopus) Served at menu del Dia (Spanish mid day meal 2pm)
Clay, granite and slate soil gives the wine a zesty mouth feel.lemon and pear notes. If you like sauv blanc, you'll love this Godello.
— 2 years ago

Domaine Bernard Baudry

Les Granges Chinon Cabernet Franc 2017

Delivers every damn time. Loire cab franc gateway drug — 6 years ago

Pooneet, Ellen and 17 others liked this

Vidigal

Gateway Douro Red Blend 2015

So delicious! Very smooth and fruity without being too sweet. Love this. — 7 years ago