2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 brings together the darker flavor profile and depth of the S.L.V. with the grace of the Fay, a pretty terrific combination in my book. Like all of these wines, the Cask 23 is decidedly understated in this vintage, and yet all the elements come together effortlessly. The Cask 23 is the most complete of these 2015 Cabernets from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A famous blend from the two estate vineyards, SLV and Fay. Aged for 21.5 months in new French oak. To be released in May 2018. Lustrous crimson. Very convincing nose with complex, plush fruit (from senior vines?) plus freshness. Pure pleasure. You'd be thrilled to encounter this nose in Bordeaux. Positively hums on the (attractively dry, neat) finish. Beautiful balance. Only a curmudgeon would fail to admire this wine. This will obviously age for many a long year but is so harmonious it could actually be enjoyed already. Some of the balsam notes in the much more basic Artemis bottling. (JR)

Inky purple-black in color, the 2015 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon (a barrel sample) has a crème de cassis, blueberry compote and licorice-scented nose with hints of bay leaves, spice box and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied, it offers lovely restraint with elegant black fruits and earthy layers plus fine-grained tannins and a wonderfully long, minerally finish.