STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS CASK 23 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014

An Iconic Cabernet from Two Legendary Napa Valley Vineyards

Region: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Vineyards: S.L.V. & FAY Estate Vineyards
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard Composition: 56% S.L.V. | 44% FAY
Style: Full-Bodied, Powerful & Refined
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 21.5 months in French oak, 90% new

Style Summary

CASK 23 represents the pinnacle of Cabernet Sauvignon at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, combining exceptional parcels from two of Napa Valley's most historic vineyards: S.L.V. and FAY.

The story began with the 1974 vintage, when legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff identified an extraordinary lot from S.L.V. that was sufficiently distinctive to warrant being bottled separately. It was named CASK 23 after the large wooden cask in which that original wine was aged.

The 2014 vintage beautifully captures the complementary personalities of the two estate vineyards. S.L.V. contributes structure, concentration, minerality and spicy intensity, while FAY provides perfume, vibrant fruit and a supple, elegant mid-palate.

The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that balances Napa Valley richness with remarkable refinement and longevity.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Complex and expressive, with black cherry, blackcurrant, ripe plum and blueberry preserve, complemented by violet, black tea, brown sugar, cedar and subtle spice.

Palate:
Rich and opulent, with layers of cassis, black cherry, plum and dark berries. The fruit is beautifully integrated with notes of cedar, dried herbs, clove and subtle mocha.

Structure:
Full-bodied and concentrated, yet exceptionally polished. Fine-grained tannins provide considerable structure while maintaining the elegance and restraint characteristic of the finest wines of the Stags Leap District.

Finish:
Long, plush and persistent, with dark fruit, spice, cedar and mineral notes lingering beautifully.

Summary

The 2014 CASK 23 is a superb expression of one of Napa Valley's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon programs.

For this vintage, 56% of the fruit came from S.L.V. and 44% from FAY Vineyard. Individual vineyard blocks were vinified and matured separately before being blended later in the aging process.

The volcanic soils of the eastern hillsides contribute structure, concentration, spice and elegant tannins, while the alluvial soils of the middle and lower vineyard sections contribute perfume, vibrant fruit and a supple texture.

It is a wine that successfully walks the line between power and elegance—a defining characteristic of great Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vintage Notes – 2014

The 2014 vintage was the third in a succession of excellent Napa Valley vintages.

Although California was experiencing drought conditions, timely March rainfall replenished vineyard soils. The growing season remained warm but avoided extreme heat events, allowing the fruit to achieve excellent ripeness while maintaining balance.

Harvest for CASK 23 took place between September 17 and October 10, 2014.

The wine underwent fermentation in stainless steel followed by full malolactic fermentation and 21.5 months of maturation in French oak barrels, 90% of which were new.

The finished wine was released in May 2017.

Critical Acclaim

95 Points – Wine & Spirits
94 Points – Wine Enthusiast | Editors’ Choice
94 Points – James Suckling
93 Points – Wine Spectator
94–96 Points – The Wine Advocate | Barrel Sample

Wine & Spirits subsequently included the 2014 CASK 23 among its Top 100 Wines of 2018.

Drinking Window

Recommended: Now–2033+

The 2014 is now at a very attractive point in its evolution. There should still be considerable blackcurrant, cherry and plum fruit, but bottle age is increasingly introducing more complex characteristics of cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, leather, earth and spice.

Wine Spectator originally suggested drinking through 2032, and a well-cellared bottle should be drinking beautifully now.

If drinking now: Decant gently for approximately 45–60 minutes, being mindful of any natural sediment.

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C / 60–64°F

Food Pairing

Exceptional with:

• Prime dry-aged ribeye

• Prime rib with jus

• Filet mignon with truffle jus

• Beef Wellington

• Braised beef short ribs with creamy polenta

• Rack of lamb with rosemary

• Venison

• Wild mushroom and truffle dishes

• Aged Comté

• Mature Cheddar

The winery itself recommends grilled ribeye, prime rib roast or braised short ribs with creamy polenta—all excellent choices for the richness and structure of the 2014.

Collector’s Note

CASK 23 is produced from selected parcels of the historic S.L.V. and FAY estate vineyards, rather than simply representing another tier of Napa Cabernet.

The 2014's combination of a highly regarded vintage, 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and fruit from two legendary vineyards makes it an especially compelling bottle for collectors of mature Napa Valley Cabernet.

Power, pedigree and elegance from one of Napa Valley's historic estates.