More about the 2021 STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS CASK 23 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON: The 2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the winery’s storied legacy and its commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality. This iconic wine is sourced from the estate's two renowned vineyards, FAY and S.L.V., nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The unique terroirs of these vineyards come together in perfect harmony, with the volcanic soils of S.L.V. contributing structure and intensity and the alluvial soils of FAY adding lush fruit and elegance. CASK 23 was first created in 1974 when a singular lot of wine stood out for its remarkable character, and this tradition continues today with a meticulous selection process ensuring only the finest grapes are included. The 2021 vintage is particularly notable for its concentration and balance, thanks to a growing season marked by moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall. This climate allowed the grapes to ripen evenly, resulting in a wine of profound depth and complexity. On the palate, the wine delivers layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis, accented by notes of violet, graphite, and baking spices. Its velvety tannins and a seamless texture culminate in a long, elegant finish. Aging in French oak barrels, with a combination of new and seasoned oak, imparts subtle hints of vanilla and cedar, further elevating the wine's complexity. CASK 23 is a flagship wine that has earned its place as a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is designed to age gracefully, with the potential to develop even greater nuances over the coming decades. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are drawn to its reputation as a wine that combines power with finesse, offering an unparalleled expression of the unique Stag’s Leap District terroir. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future occasions, the 2021 CASK 23 exemplifies the artistry and precision of winemaking at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Additional Review: "The first vintage of Cask 23 ever released was the 1974 vintage, with André Tchelistcheff as the consultant. While tasting all the barrels of S.L.V., Tchelistcheff came across one barrel so exceptional that they bottled it on its own, naming it after the barrel in which it was aged—Cask 23. Originally bottled only in the best vintages until 1990, when FAY was introduced as another single-vineyard expression, Cask 23 became a blend of the two single vineyards, FAY and S.L.V., aiming for a balanced, harmonious expression—a "sum greater than the parts" kind of wine. The 2021 Cask 23 was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels. It displays an opaque purple-ruby colour with a magenta rim. The wine offers super dark fruit aromatics, with notes of sagebrush, fig, dried lavender, and salted dark chocolate. Full-bodied, it boasts incredible tension and mineral-laced, muscular tannins that are fine-grained with tremendous staying power, finishing with cocoa powder and an extravagant flourish. This wine has impressive energy and remarkable tension. The winemaker is Marcus Notaro." 97 Points