2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23
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Tasting notes
I'd put the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 up with the crème de la crème in the vintage. It's not massive yet shines for its balance and elegance, bringing ample plum and cassis fruit as well as graphite, scorched earth, and violet, floral nuances. Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak, it has beautifully integrated oak, fine tannins, and again, a non-2022 like purity and freshness. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years or so. Drink 2025-2040.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 is the best of the three 2022s from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Obviously the blend of top barrels from the two sites is an advantage. Floral notes lift a core of red-toned fruit, dried flowers, cedar and spice. The blend favors Fay by a touch, and that comes through in the wine's restrained personality. Like all the 2022s here, the Cask 23 is more finesse than power. Its balance is sublime, and the long, understated finish is terrific.
An extra level of intensity and concentration elevates this flagship wine of the iconic estate founded by Warren Winiarski in 1970. So deep with black fruit, dark oak spices, earth and iron undertones. It offers a quiet strength, balanced tannic structure, rich flavors and a long finish that will carry it far into the future. Drinkable now but best from 2030.
True to form, the 2022 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits floral notes (violets) on the nose, plus hints of sage to go along with cassis fruit. It's impressively full-bodied and velvety in the mouth, with a lingering finish that just lacks the zest and energy of the 2021 version.
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.