Stag's Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a rich history, traces its roots back to the first harvest in 1974, a significant year in the world of wine. This was the year when the renowned winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff discovered one particularly exceptional lot from the SLV vineyard while tasting various wine lots. Its unique character was so remarkable that it was decided that the lot would be bottled separately. That decision marked the birth of Cask 23, a wine that embodies elegance, depth, and age-worthiness. A blend of grapes from two distinct vineyards, Cask 23 combines the structure and spice from the volcanic soils of SLV with the rich, aromatic berry flavors from the alluvial soils of FAY. Offering a beautiful expression of Napa Valley, this wine with 14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) is as complex and balanced.

Cask 23 is not just a blend of two exceptional vineyards; it's a testament to meticulous farming and a deep understanding of each site's potential. The blocks within the SLV and FAY vineyards specifically designated for Cask 23 are cultivated with the utmost care throughout the seasons. This dedicated attention to detail, from the selection of the best grapes to the careful nurturing of the vines, ensures that each vintage of Cask 23 truly reflects the exceptional craftsmanship behind it. The combination of volcanic and alluvial soils and this careful farming results in a powerful and refined wine. A wine designed for aging, Stag's Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be a benchmark for Napa Valley's finest Cabernet Sauvignons. Pair it with Porcini Braised Short Ribs with Polenta, Truffled Goat Cheese Risotto with Prosciutto or Honey, or with Calabrian Chile Pork Chops with Roasted Apples, Arugula, and aged Balsamic.

Aroma: The Cask 23 beautifully combines the FAY vineyard's signature floral notes with the SLV vineyard's dark fruit and structure. The wine opens with fragrant red and black currant aromas, black tea, anise, and a hint of nutmeg. It's vibrant and full-bodied on the palate, with velvety tannins that bring out layers of blackberry and currant flavors. This vintage of Cask 23 is elegant and complex, showcasing refined tannins, subtle oak integration, and a long, memorable finish.