STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS CASK 23 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 — MAGNUM 1.5L

An Iconic Napa Cabernet in a Magnificent Collector’s Format

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
Bottle Size: 1.5L Magnum
Style: Full-Bodied, Powerful & Refined
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 21.5 months in French oak, 90% new

Style Summary

One of the most prestigious wines produced by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, CASK 23 represents the marriage of two legendary Napa Valley vineyards: S.L.V. and FAY.

The story of CASK 23 dates back to the 1974 vintage, when celebrated winemaker André Tchelistcheff identified an exceptional lot from S.L.V. that was distinctive enough to merit its own bottling. The wine took its name from the large wooden cask—Cask No. 23—in which that original wine was aged.

The 2014 CASK 23 combines the aromatic elegance and generous fruit of FAY with the structure, minerality and intensity of S.L.V. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth, polish and longevity.

Presented here in the impressive 1.5L Magnum format, this is an exceptional bottle for the cellar, an important dinner or a serious wine collector.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Beautifully complex aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, ripe plum and blueberry preserve are layered with violet, black tea, brown sugar, cedar and subtle spice.

Palate:
Rich and expansive, with concentrated dark fruit at its core. Cassis, red currant, blackberry and plum are complemented by savory herbs, clove, cedar and mocha, while the oak is beautifully integrated.

Structure:
Full-bodied and concentrated, yet remarkably polished. Fine-grained tannins balance the richness of the fruit, giving the wine the classic CASK 23 combination of power and elegance.

Finish:
Exceptionally long and plush, with lingering dark berries, cassis, cedar, spice and subtle earthy notes.

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. The volcanic hillside soils contribute structure, concentration, spice and refined tannins, while the alluvial sections bring vibrant fruit, perfume and a supple mid-palate.

Each vineyard lot was vinified separately and matured in small French oak barrels before the final blend was assembled.

The Magnum format elevates this already prestigious wine further. Larger bottles generally allow wine to evolve more gradually, making this a particularly compelling format for extended cellaring and celebratory dining.

Vintage Notes – 2014

The 2014 vintage was the third consecutive outstanding growing season in Napa Valley, producing Cabernet Sauvignon with impressive concentration, ripe fruit and excellent balance.

Fruit for CASK 23 was harvested between September 17 and October 10, 2014.

The wine was matured for 21.5 months in French oak barrels, 90% new, before release.

The vintage beautifully captures the contrasting personalities of FAY and S.L.V.—perfumed and generous on one side, structured and mineral on the other.

Critical Acclaim

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
96 Points – Robert Parker / The Wine Advocate
95 Points – Wine & Spirits
95 Points – Decanter
94 Points – James Suckling
94 Points – Wine Enthusiast – Editors’ Choice
93 Points – Wine Spectator

A remarkably consistent set of reviews for a Cabernet that combines richness, elegance and considerable aging potential.

Drinking Window

Recommended: Now–2035+

The 2014 is now entering a beautiful stage of its evolution, where the richness of its Cabernet fruit is beginning to meet more complex secondary and tertiary characteristics.

In Magnum, development is generally slower than in a standard 750ml bottle, so a properly cellared example should have considerable life ahead of it.

If drinking now: Allow approximately 1–2 hours in a decanter, while periodically tasting as it opens.

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

With additional bottle age, expect the dark fruit to gradually evolve toward more complex notes of cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, leather, earth and truffle.

Food Pairing

Exceptional with:

• Prime dry-aged ribeye

• Prime rib roast

• Beef Wellington

• Braised beef short ribs with creamy polenta

• Filet mignon with truffle jus

• Rack of lamb with rosemary

• Venison

• Wild mushroom and truffle risotto

• Aged Comté

• Mature Cheddar

For a special dinner, a prime rib roast served for the table would be particularly appropriate—the Magnum format and CASK 23's depth make this a spectacular wine for sharing.

Collector’s Note

Magnum 1.5L

The large format makes this an especially desirable presentation of CASK 23. A Magnum contains the equivalent of two standard bottles and is ideally suited to extended cellaring, important celebrations and collectors seeking distinctive formats of iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

A rare combination of provenance, vintage and format.