STAG's LEAP WINE CELLARS, CASK 23 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2004-2016
Why Buy: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, the famed winery that catapulted onto the world stage (and brought Napa along with it) after the legendary Judgment of Paris in 1976, surely needs no introduction. We're privileged and proud to offer this curated tour through their historic cellars, presenting an array of exceptional back-vintages that exhibit the estate’s signature style: power married to finesse. These selections — including their crown jewel, Cask 23 — are living testaments to Stag's Leap's enduring pedigree, remarkable continuity, and unshakable commitment to excellence.
What They're Saying:
* The Wine Advocate reveled in the “beautiful” 2016 vintage of Cask 23, lavishing a potential 98 points upon it and extolling its "very firm frame of super ripe tannins supporting the multilayered flavors, finishing on an epically long, lingering fragrant earth note.”
Our Tasting Notes: Across vintages, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars consistently delivers wines of profound depth and elegance. With the Cask 23 bottlings, prepare yourself for a complex tapestry of dark fruits, subtle herbs, and perfectly integrated oak. The FAY and SLV offerings, meanwhile, showcase the distinct personalities of these historic vineyards, with FAY typically presenting more red fruit and floral notes, while SLV leans into black fruits and earthier tones. All share a common thread: an impeccable sense of balance and an unmistakable age-worthiness.
The Story: In the annals of American wine, few chapters are as pivotal as the story of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, a philosophy student turned winemaker, the estate quickly rose to prominence. But it was the 1976 Judgment of Paris that etched its name in viticultural lore. In a blind tasting that pitted California wines against French classics, Stag's Leap's 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon bested revered Bordeaux First Growths, shocking the wine world and forever changing the perception of American wines. This David-and-Goliath moment not only put Stag's Leap on the map but also heralded Napa Valley's ascension to the pantheon of world-class wine regions. Over the decades, Stag's Leap has continued to innovate and excel. The acquisition of the adjacent FAY Vineyard in 1986 added another jewel to their crown, allowing for the creation of CASK 23, a wine that marries the best of S.L.V. and FAY. Today, under the stewardship of Antinori, and with Marcus Notaro as winemaker, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars continues to push boundaries while honoring its storied legacy.
The Specs: While specifics vary by vintage, Stag's Leap's winemaking philosophy remains consistent. Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with careful attention to extraction. Aging typically takes place in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak and duration varying by wine and vintage. The CASK 23 is a blend of the finest lots from S.L.V. and FAY vineyards, while SLV and FAY are single-vineyard expressions.
What to Pair It With: These robust Cabernets shine alongside equally bold flavors. Consider a perfectly seared ribeye, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or for the adventurous, a dark chocolate and black cherry tart.
Fun Fact: The name "Stag's Leap" comes from a local legend of a stag eluding hunters by leaping to freedom across the palisades of the estate. This image of power and grace perfectly encapsulates the wines' character and adorns every bottle.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the distiller, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, GA, KS, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NM, NY, TN, VA, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, September 8th, 2024.
