stag's leap wine cellars cask 23 2014 750ml

The story of CASK 23 began 40 years ago, during the harvest of 1974. Back then, the winery enlisted the help of celebrated winemaker André Tchelistcheff. As he tasted through various lots of new wines from that year, one lot from S.L.V. was so beautiful and deliciously distinct the winery decided it should be bottled separately. It was named CASK 23 for the large wooden cask in which it was aged. Today, the wine is a blend of the most distinctive fruit from the S.L.V and FAY vineyards, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and richness balanced by restraint. Over the years, CASK 23 has become one of the most highly regarded and collected wines worldwide.

Winemaker Notes

The 2014 CASK 23 combines the signature perfume notes of FAY vineyard with the structure and minerality of S.L.V. The wine has complex fruit aromas (black cherry, currant, plum and blueberry jam) along with notes of brown sugar, black tea and violet. On the palate, this opulent Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich mouthfeel with flavors complementing the aromas. The wine’s tannins and texture are on the line between elegance and power and lead to a very long, plush finish.

Enjoy this CASK 23 with grilled Rib Eye, prime rib roast or braised short-ribs on creamy polenta.

Critical Acclaim

JD97, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 is a smoking effort from this team. Revealing a deep purple color and stunning notes of blackcurrants and black raspberries like fruit, it offers loads of spice, cedar and dried flower nuances, full-bodied richness, a ripe, full-bodied, majestic texture, beautiful tannin quality, and a great finish. This sensational 2014 has a rare mix of power and elegance and will keep for 20-25 years."

RP96, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2014s are not yet in bottle. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 Estate-Grown is a big-time winner with great fruit, terrific texture, full body, sensational purity and plenty of blue and black fruits interwoven. The amazing thing about all of these wines is that no oak shows through whatsoever, although I suspect the percentage of new oak is relatively high. That’s an example of the extravagance and richness of the fruit that the winery is achieving. Again, purity, harmony, complexity and individuality are hallmarks of these wines. Drink this 2014 Cask 23 over the next 25 years."

W&S95, Wine & Spirits

"Winemaker Marcus Notaro blends this wine from two adjacent estate-owned vineyards farmed by Kirk Grace. Fay, with its alluvial soils, provides 44 percent of the blend in 2014; the balance comes from S.L.V., where the vines rise higher up the eastern bench of Stag’s Leap, rooted in the crush of volcanic rock that has washed down off the palisades. They combine in a cabernet with cool richness, layering fruit notes of chocolate and wild mushrooms with a rush of satiny fruit tannins. There are no barriers to obscure the wine’s youthful integration or its complexity, still incipient, but there in the breath for minutes, compellingly fresh and satiating in its savor."

JS94, James Suckling

"Glorious aromas of blacberries and blackcurrants follow through to a full body, ultra-fine tannins and an alluring finish. It shows such polish and verve. Try it in 2020, but it's already a show to taste. Shows the pedigree."

WE94, Wine Enthusiast

"A 100% varietal and estate-grown wine from the site made famous in the Paris Tasting, this offers yeasty brioche aromas that lead to crisp expansive flavors of cassis and red currant. The oak is supportive and integrated, adding to the wine’s overall earthiness of dried herb and clove, lasting and juicy on the finish."

750ml Bottle