Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

Cask 23 is a harmonious blend of grapes sourced exclusively from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars' estate vineyards: the FAY vineyard, known for its fragrant and supple fruit, and the S.L.V. vineyard, celebrated for its structure and dark fruit intensity.

Located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, these vineyards benefit from volcanic and alluvial soils, combined with a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm days and cool nights. Specific vineyard blocks are meticulously farmed for Cask 23, ensuring the highest quality fruit and a pure expression of this iconic terroir.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage faced unique challenges, including a hot and dry growing season and wildfire impacts. Rain during bloom naturally thinned the fruit, balancing the crop with the dry soil conditions. These factors resulted in a vintage marked by intense concentration and ripe character.

The wine is crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with fermentation taking place in 3% French oak barrels with heads removed, enhancing integration and depth. It underwent 100% malolactic fermentation, followed by 22 months of aging in 100% new French oak barrels. The result is a wine with remarkable balance, richness, and structure. The alcohol content is 14.8%, with a limited production of 1,900 cases, released in September 2023.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red.
• Aromas: Enticing notes of chocolate mousse, ripe plum, crushed raspberry, violet, and a touch of nutmeg.
• Palate: Full-bodied and luxurious, featuring flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, and sweet spice. The wine’s velvety tannins and vibrant acidity lead to a long, polished finish.

Did you know?

Cask 23 was first created in 1974 when legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff identified a particularly exceptional lot from the S.L.V. vineyard, leading to its separate bottling and establishing its legacy as one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Filet mignon with truffle butter: Enhances the wine’s richness and savory depth.
• Duck breast with blackberry sauce: Matches the wine’s dark fruit and floral elegance.
• Wild mushroom risotto: Complements the wine’s earthy and velvety texture.
• Aged Parmesan or Manchego cheese: Balances the wine’s vibrant acidity and bold 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.