STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS CASK 23 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010

An Icon of Napa Valley Cabernet

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA
Vineyards: FAY Vineyard & S.L.V. Vineyard
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Style: Full-Bodied, Structured & Refined
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 21 months in French oak, 90% new

Style Summary

CASK 23 represents the pinnacle of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon production, bringing together exceptional parcels from the legendary FAY and S.L.V. estate vineyards.

The wine was first created following the 1974 harvest, when celebrated winemaker André Tchelistcheff identified an extraordinary lot from S.L.V. worthy of being bottled separately. Its name came from the large wooden cask—Cask No. 23—in which that original wine was aged.

For the 2010 vintage, the final blend was composed of 56.8% FAY Vineyard and 43.2% S.L.V. Vineyard, combining FAY’s perfume and generous fruit with the structure, minerality and intensity associated with S.L.V.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Deep red cherry and black cherry lead the aromatics, joined by ripe strawberry, dark berries, cocoa and warm spice. With maturity, the wine develops beautifully complex nuances of cedar, earth, tobacco, truffle and forest floor.

Palate:
Full-bodied yet remarkably elegant. Rich dark berry and cherry fruit is framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, with layers of cedar, spice and subtle white truffle developing through the palate.

Structure:
Powerful but refined, with the classic Stags Leap District combination of concentration and elegance. The tannins have softened considerably with bottle age while retaining enough structure and freshness to give the wine impressive definition.

Finish:
Long and persistent, with dark fruit, cedar, spice and savory tertiary notes gradually unfolding on the finish.

Summary

The 2010 CASK 23 is one of the flagship wines of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and a superb expression of two of Napa Valley’s most historic Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.

CASK 23 is produced only when the winery identifies parcels from FAY and S.L.V. worthy of the designation. The 2010 combines the aromatic elegance and supple fruit of FAY with the mineral structure and intensity of S.L.V., creating a mature Napa Cabernet of considerable complexity and pedigree.

Vintage Notes – 2010

The 2010 Napa Valley growing season was unusually cool and extended, with harvest running approximately two to three weeks later than normal in many vineyards. The longer growing season ultimately produced Cabernet Sauvignon with excellent acidity, elegant structure and impressive flavor concentration.

Fruit for CASK 23 was harvested between October 2 and October 18, 2010. Each vineyard lot was fermented and matured separately before the final blend was assembled.

The finished wine spent 21 months in French oak barrels, 90% of which were new.

Drinking Window

Drinking beautifully now – approximately 2032+

At more than 15 years from vintage, this wine is entering a particularly compelling stage of maturity. The primary Cabernet fruit remains present, but bottle development is beginning to reveal more complex notes of cedar, truffle, tobacco, earth and spice.

For a well-stored bottle, I would recommend decanting gently for approximately 30–60 minutes, primarily to allow the wine to open and to separate any natural sediment.

Serve at approximately 16–18°C / 60–64°F.

Food Pairing

An exceptional match with:

• Prime dry-aged ribeye

• Filet mignon with red wine jus

• Beef Wellington

• Roasted rack of lamb

• Grilled venison

• Braised short rib

• Truffle and wild mushroom dishes

• Aged Comté or mature Cheddar

For a special dinner, filet mignon with truffle jus would be an outstanding pairing, allowing the mature earthy character of the 2010 CASK 23 to shine.

Serve CASK 23 with filet mignon with blue cheese crumbles, grilled venison with a red wine reduction or black pepper-crusted Ahi tuna steaks.