2010 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon SLV

The estate's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate SLV emerges from a parcel next to Fay, but here the terrain is much richer in stones and therefore traps the daytime heat to a far greater extent. Ash, smoke, slate, plums and blackberries are some of the many notes that burst from the glass. The SLV is a big, tannic wine, especially in this vintage. There is more than enough tension and sheer energy to allow for years of great drinking, once the wine softens a bit.

The estate’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate SLV emerges from a parcel next to Fay, but here the terrain is much richer in stones and therefore traps the daytime heat to a far greater extent. Ash, smoke, slate, plums and blackberries are some of the many notes that burst from the glass. The SLV is a big, tannic wine, especially in this vintage. There is more than enough tension and sheer energy to allow for years of great drinking, once the wine softens a bit. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. These 2010 Cabernet Sauvignons from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars are just as exciting from bottle as they were from barrel last year. The improvement in quality that has taken place here over the last few years is simply remarkable. I also tasted several samples of the 2011s, but as was the case at many addresses, the wines were too raw and unfinished to properly evaluate. Unfortunately, there will be no 2011 Cask 23. Tel. (707) 944-2020; www.cask23.com

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon SLV Estate is a super-exciting, delineated wine bursting with dark cherries, plums, violets and licorice. Brighter white floral notes add lift and brightness. Layers after layers of flavor build beautifully in this striking Cabernet Sauvignon. The finish alone is striking.