Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A great example of a modern Napa Cabernet coming into its own. After more than a decade of unfurling it reveals lovely, bramble, menthol and mint aromas. A classic Cabernet palate of cassis, blackberry and raspberry framed by a fresh, lifted herbal quality that echoes the nose. This blend of the best components of the Fay and SLV vineyards was fermented in 100% stainless steel then spent 20 months in 90% new French oak. Drinking Window 2020 - 2040
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 Estate is dark rich and intensely satisfying. Layers of dark fruit flow effortlessly from this big, textured Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 possesses gorgeous mid-palate depth and stunning overall balance, especially relative to other recent vintages. This is a super-impressive showing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
Rating: 94+ -
Wine Enthusiast
A big, vital wine, mouth-filling and dense, with plenty of weight and volume, and deep flavors of earth, chocolate, blackberry and sweet currant. The cool ’09 vintage has resulted in this version of Cask 23 being lighter in alcohol and tighter than others like the 2008. It’s not quite as fat or immediately accessible as those vintages, but it is very fine, and should reward at least 10 years in the cellar, although you can certainly drink it now after a few hours in the decanter.
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Wine Spectator
Shows impressive elegance, refinement, detail and complexity, with subtle currant, dried berry, dried herb and cedar notes, ending with a long graceful finish. Drink now through 2024.
Considered one of the "first growths" of Napa Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from its historic Stags Leap District estate vineyards. Learn about Stags Leap history and estate-grown wines.
History of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was founded in 1970 with the purchase of a 40 acre property in the now famed Stag’s Leap District AVA in Napa Valley. The winery brought international recognition to California winemaking and the Napa Valley region when their 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Paris Tasting, also known as the "Judgement of Paris."
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Estate-Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' three estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons - CASK 23, S.L.V. and Fay - are among the most highly regarded and collected Cabernet Sauvignons worldwide. The Cabernet wines are fashioned to express richness balanced by elegant restraint, an approach often described as "an iron fist in a velvet glove."
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.