1987 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23

The 1987 Cask 23 offers a huge aroma of coffee, fruitcake, cassis, oriental spices, toasty new oak, herbs, and black fruits that is profound. In the mouth, there is an almost endless sensation of voluptuous, velvety fruit, as well as an opulence that borders on decadence. Rich and medium-bodied, but soft and supple (almost deceptively so), this distinctive, original expression of winemaking should provide immense pleasure for at least the next 12-15 years. There is no reason to defer your gratification. The flagship wine of Stags Leap is Cask 23 (1000 cases produced each vintage), now officially a proprietary red wine with the words Cabernet Sauvignon dropped from the label. No Cask 23 was produced in 1988 or 1989, but the 1990 is gorgeous. The Cabernet Sauvignon-Cask 23 continues to display one of the most distinctive and exotic bouquets of any California Cabernet-based wine. Proprietor Warren Winiarski produces Cabernet Sauvignons of uncommon delicacy, complexity, and harmony. Although this property went into a slump from 1979-1983, there have been no misses since.