Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon (1983)

About this wine

The 1983 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars presents a bouquet where the once robust fruit has matured into delicate floral notes, accompanied by hints of raspberry and cherry. On the palate, the wine offers a refined experience with very fine, dry tannins that provide structure without overpowering the subtle fruit flavors. This vintage reflects the evolution of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' winemaking, showcasing the balance between fruit and tannin that has become a hallmark of their style. The 1983 vintage was the first to receive the Cask 23 designation since 1979, indicating its exceptional quality. Over time, this wine has developed a complexity that speaks to the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in France in the 17th century from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Napa Valley, this varietal found an ideal environment, leading to its prominence in the region. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, established in 1970, gained international acclaim when its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting where it surpassed esteemed French wines. The 1983 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon continued this legacy, showcasing the exceptional quality of Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1983 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon was the first to bear the 'Cask 23' designation since 1979, reserved for vintages of exceptional fruit and elegance.
• 💎 The grapes for the 1983 vintage were described as looking 'as if they had been cut by a jeweler,' indicating their exceptional quality.
• 🏆 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international fame when its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put California wines on the global map.
• 🛢️ The 'Cask 23' name originated from a specific cask, numbered 23, that stood out during the 1974 vintage for its exceptional quality.
• 👨‍🔬 The 1983 Cask 23 was crafted under the guidance of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, known as the 'dean of American winemakers.'

Palate profile

Producer

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski in Napa Valley, California, gained international acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, surpassing esteemed French wines. This victory was pivotal in establishing Napa Valley as a premier wine region. The winery's estate includes the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards, with the latter being the first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in the Stags Leap District. In 2007, the winery was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori, continuing its legacy of producing world-class wines.