Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Stag's Leap

Stag's Leap is one of those wineries that has torn up the status quo and made its mark in the annals of history. With their very first vintage back in 1973, they took on French greats, including a First Growth in the famous "Judgement of Paris" in 1976 and won, showing the globe that the world of wine was far wider than they ever could have imagined...The story of Stag's Leap is one of the garage wine, with it all beginning in 1969 when Warren Winiarski tasted Nathan Fay's homemade Cabernet Sauvignon. Warren knew he'd found a brilliant winemaker, and a wine that reflected everything he wanted, or as he called it "an iron fist in a velvet glove". He knew Nathan's wine would go far and do well, but never in their wildest dreams did they think that their wine would blow the whole industry wide open.

The 2018 CASK 23 combines the signature perfume notes of FAY vineyard with the structure and dark fruit of S.L.V. The wine opens with complex and expressive aromas of dark fruits, currants and figs along with hints of floral spice, sandalwood and wet stone. The wine has a vibrant taste and texture with the winery’s classic “Peacock’s Tail” that expands in the mouth and leads to a lingering aftertaste and finish.
Enjoy this CASK 23 with chicken marsala, grilled flank steak with plum salsa, or spiced duck breast with wilted arugula risotto.

Delivery
Items are expected to be delivered within 4 weeks
Producer
Stag's Leap
Region
Napa Valley, United States
Alcohol-abv
14.5%
Reviews

Robert Parker 97 Points, Wine Spectator 95 Points, Wine Enthusiast 98 Points

Bottle Format: 75cl

By selecting a "case of 6", you save £3, help the environment and contribute to eco-sustainable development

Variant
Status
Price
Case of 6
DP
?
£1500
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Case of 6
IB
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£1236.62
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Ratings

97 Points Robert Parker

"Like the 2020, the terrific 2018 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon leans a bit more heavily on the Fay Vineyard (the 2019 includes a bit more S.L.V.). It's medium to full-bodied, supple, silky and elegant yet still possesses enough richness to evolve for the next two decades. From the stunning, slightly lifted aromas of violets, cherries and cassis, to the long, dusty finish, this exudes class all the way."

95 Points Wine Spectator

98 Points Wine Enthusiast

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Napa Valley

Napa Valley

Situated immediately north of San Pablo Bay, Napa Valley runs extends for approximately 35 miles (60km) between the Vacas and Mayacamas mountain ranges (to the east and west respectively). The scenic 40-minute drive between the Napa and Calistoga townships passes through some of the most valuable viticultural real estate on Earth.

Napa Valley is one of the most famous and prestigious wine region of the world. Although a number of grape varieties are grown in the valley's vineyards, the area is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The classic "Napa Cab", the archetypal Napa Valley wine, is a rich, oak-aged red with aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, licorice, vanilla and smoky, bittersweet chocolate.

The range of grape varieties grown in the Napa Valley has evolved steadily over the 150 years since Yount planted his first vines. Cabernet Sauvignon has risen confidently to become Napa's star performer, and is the most widely planted grape in almost all of the valley's sub-regions. The notable exception to this rule is Carneros, whose cool, breezy mesoclimate is better suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Merlot is also prominent, although since its fall from favor in the 1990s it is now used mostly as a blending component.

Climate, geology and topography are three essential components in what makes Napa Valley such a first-rate viticultural area. The combined influences of San Pablo Bay and the hills of the North Coast Ranges are responsible for the valley's very particular mesoclimate. The bay generates morning fog, and the hills channel it inland, up into the valley. Without this fog that comes rolling in from the bays, the valley's climate would be substantially warmer than it is, making it difficult to achieve structure and balance in the wines. The fog doesn't reach the higher parts of the valley, however, leaving these to rely on the cooling effects of altitude to keep their vines in balance.