1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23
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Tasting notes
(14.5% alcohol): Good medium ruby to the rim. Expressive nose offers aromas of dark berries, loam and strong herbal and peppery notes, plus a hint of incipient maderization. Fully evolved, but still shows a thickness to its mid-palate flavors of dark berries, espresso and licorice. Offers good density and salinity and the building tannins avoid dryness. This wine has had a nice run but should be drunk now, as it may be just past its peak. (ST)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
I think we can agree that this is a Stag's Leap wine, and one which goes its own relatively subtle way. Deep, dense colour; intensely savoury nose and, although obviously made of fully ripe fruit, much less sweet and more 'French' than most Californian Cabernets. This spreads across the palate and still has definite chew at the end. A very serious wine with good prospects. (JR)
Bright red-ruby. Very complex, inviting, slightly roasted nose combines cassis, molasses, dark chocolate, espresso, herbs and mellow oak tones. Lush, sweet, dense and ripe, but with firm acidity and flinty minerality giving verve to the quintessential cabernet flavors of currant and fresh herbs. Finishes with dusty, sweet tannins. The best vintage of this bottling that come my way in some time.
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.