Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

Cask 23 is crafted from the finest fruit of the estate’s two iconic vineyards:

• S.L.V. contributes structure, concentration, and spice intensity from its volcanic soils.
• FAY offers vibrant fruit flavors, a supple mid-palate, and perfumed aromatics from its alluvial soils.

For the 2019 vintage, the blend included 52% S.L.V. (blocks 2B, 2A, 3B) and 48% FAY (blocks 10A, 2A, 3A, 7, 12A, 9). These adjoining vineyards create a perfect balance of power and elegance, highlighting the unique terroirs of the Stags Leap District.

Winemaking

The 2019 vintage began with a wet spring, boosting canopy growth but causing some shatter during bloom, which naturally reduced yields. A long growing season with near-ideal summer conditions allowed grapes to develop slowly, achieving optimal ripeness. Harvest occurred from September 30 to October 22, 2019, ensuring a wine with richness and complexity.

The wine underwent fermentation in 11% French oak barrels with heads removed, followed by 100% malolactic fermentation. It was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels, with each lot aged separately during the first year to enhance its unique characteristics before blending in the second year. The final composition is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled unfiltered for maximum purity, with an alcohol content of 14.8%.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with brilliant clarity.
• Aromas: Fragrant and fresh, with notes of red and black currant, black tea, anise, and a touch of nutmeg.
• Palate: Vibrant and structured, featuring flavors of blackberry, currant, and savory spice. Velvety tannins lead to a long, elegant finish with integrated oak and refined complexity.

Did you know?

Cask 23 was first created in 1974, when winemaker André Tchelistcheff identified an exceptional lot from the S.L.V. vineyard. Its distinct character inspired a separate bottling, establishing its reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised short ribs with porcini mushrooms and polenta: Enhances the wine’s richness and savory complexity.
• Pork chops with roasted apples and honey: Complements the wine’s fruity and spicy undertones.
• Truffled goat cheese risotto with prosciutto and arugula: Matches the wine’s velvety texture and aromatic depth.
• Aged Parmesan or Manchego cheese: Highlights the wine’s refined structure and tannins.

History of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

The history of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars began in 1970, when Warren Winiarski, a Harvard-educated philosophy professor turned winemaker, recognized the potential of a small prune orchard in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Inspired by the region’s volcanic soils and unique microclimate, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon and set out to create wines that combined power, elegance, and terroir expression.

Winiarski’s vision bore fruit in 1973, with the first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the S.L.V. vineyard (Stag's Leap Vineyard). Just three years later, this wine achieved global fame when it was declared the winner of the Judgment of Paris blind tasting in 1976, where it triumphed over some of France's most esteemed Bordeaux wines. This pivotal moment is widely regarded as a turning point in the history of Napa Valley, proving that California wines could rival the best in the world.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars expanded its reputation, refining its winemaking techniques and earning acclaim for its estate wines, particularly Cask 23, a blend of the finest lots from the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards. These wines became benchmarks for the Stags Leap District, a region officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1989, with the winery playing a leading role in its establishment.

In 2007, the winery entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Antinori Family Estates, two world-renowned producers who brought their expertise and global perspective to the estate. Despite the change in ownership, the winery has maintained its focus on producing wines that express the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. Today, under the leadership of Winemaker Marcus Notaro, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars continues to honor its rich history while innovating for the future.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, the estate spans 97 hectares (240 acres), with three renowned vineyards:

• S.L.V. (Stag’s Leap Vineyard): Known for its volcanic soils, contributing structure and intensity to the wines.
• FAY: Famous for its alluvial soils, producing wines with lush fruit, elegance, and a perfumed bouquet.
• Arcadia Vineyard: Located in Coombsville, this site focuses on Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, offering vibrant and mineral-driven wines.

The Stags Leap District AVA benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm days that ensure ripeness and cool nights that preserve acidity and freshness. The region’s unique combination of volcanic and alluvial soils creates wines with both power and finesse.

Wine Range of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is celebrated for its exceptional range of wines, including:

• Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon: A flagship wine blending the finest blocks of S.L.V. and FAY, known for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.
• S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon: A bold, structured wine with dark fruit and mineral notes from volcanic soils.
• FAY Cabernet Sauvignon: A lush and aromatic wine showcasing red fruit and floral elegance.
• Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon: A blend of estate-grown and Napa-sourced fruit, offering approachability and balance.
• Karia Chardonnay: A vibrant and fresh Chardonnay with mineral-driven character.

Did you know?

The Judgment of Paris in 1976, where Stag's Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won, is often credited as the moment that put Napa Valley on the map. It marked the first time a California wine outshone its French counterparts in a prestigious blind tasting.