1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23
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Tasting notes
Bright medium ruby. Expressive, high-toned aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice and earth. Concentrated, tactile black fruit and spice flavors communicate a strong saline impression of extract. Impressively seamless wine without any heaviness; this wine appears to have fully capitalized on the long growing season. Finishes with a strong dusting of tannins and echoing length. An outstanding showing for this serious, earthy, terroir -driven wine, which should go on for many years in a proper cellar. (13.5% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Cask 23 exhibits a deep plum/garnet color with purple nuances. Vanilla, espresso, lavender, and sweet red as well as black currants emerge from the stylish bouquet, which promises more than the palate delivers. The wine is medium-bodied, a bit angular, with austere tannin, excellent purity, but little depth and intensity. Anticipated maturity: now-2011. Perhaps my opinion is in the minority, but I can’t understand anyone suggesting that this winery is making wine today as profound as it did in the seventies and eighties. But then again, wine tasting is very subjective. Tel. (707) 944-1303; Fax (707) 944-9433
About the producer
Warren Winiarski founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1970 when he purchased the Stag’s Leap Vineyard in Napa’s Stags Leap District. The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon – only the second vintage – won the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting, rocketing the estate to fame.