Originally planted in 1961 by Nathan Fay, FAY Vineyard today encompasses 26.7 hectares planted on fine Bale gravelly clay loam and volcanic alluvium. Fermented entirely in stainless steel and aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak, the wine is beautifully dense and immensely structured, yet defined by a profound sense of freshness. Classic red-rock minerality and iron-like notes speak clearly of the site, layered with sagebrush and unsmoked tobacco. Polished and full-bodied, with satiny tannins seamlessly integrated, framing lush blue- and black-fruited depth that carries through a long, captivating finish. A compelling, site-driven expression that balances power with precision and unmistakable Stags Leap District mineral elegance.
97 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Mar 2026)
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay is fabulous. Medium in body and deep, with notable energy, the 2023 is a hugely promising wine. Dark blue/purplish fruit, menthol, licorice, cloves and graphite are all finely sketched. This gracious, elegant wine is all class.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2025)
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard is showing notably better from bottle than it did from barrel. A lovely example of a delicate, finesse-driven Cabernet, it features hints of violets, thyme and sage entwined with ripe black cherries. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured on the palate, with a lingering finish framed by fine-grained tannins.
95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (May 2026)
This is lovely, with a slightly reserved feel to its steady, well-defined core of morello cherry and blackberry preserve notes that are inlaid prettily with savory, bay leaf and mesquite details. There’s a steady iron ping reverbing through the fine-grained finish, adding extra length. Best from 2028 through 2043. 4,400 cases made.
95 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Nov 2026)
#6 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2026
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