Opened this bottle a few weeks ago to celebrate my 51st full year on this planet. Stag's Leap is one of the premiere Napa wineries and their 1973 Cabernet won the famous Paris Tasting back in 1976, basically catapulting the American wine industry into world prominence. The Cask 23 line is made of choice grapes from their two best vineyards.
My wife, mother, brother, his wife and my son's girlfriend (he was called into work) went out to dinner at a local spot that we have not been to in many years. They now have an early bird special - $15 for a three course dinner. Very appropriate in these tight times.
I gave the bottle to the waiter and had him open and decant for me. The color was a nice, dark ruby hue with edges of orange/brick. The aroma was a complex mixture of fruits, flowers and cedar. The flavors were excellent and just as complex as the aromas. A mix of sweet black and blue fruits, dark chocolate and a touch of spiciness / acidity. Surprisingly, there was still a good backbone of dry tannins as well, but in combination with the fruit the result was totally smooth and delicious.
This wine was an excellent choice not only for the occasion, but for the dinner pairing. (Caesar salad, rosemary prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, chocolate mousse dessert).
Better still was the fact that only 2 other people at the table were helping me share the bottle ... :bottle:
Score: 96/100
Ooops ... I'm not sure why I put 2001 in the original title, but this bottle of Stag's was from 1991.
My wife, mother, brother, his wife and my son's girlfriend (he was called into work) went out to dinner at a local spot that we have not been to in many years. They now have an early bird special - $15 for a three course dinner. Very appropriate in these tight times.
I gave the bottle to the waiter and had him open and decant for me. The color was a nice, dark ruby hue with edges of orange/brick. The aroma was a complex mixture of fruits, flowers and cedar. The flavors were excellent and just as complex as the aromas. A mix of sweet black and blue fruits, dark chocolate and a touch of spiciness / acidity. Surprisingly, there was still a good backbone of dry tannins as well, but in combination with the fruit the result was totally smooth and delicious.
This wine was an excellent choice not only for the occasion, but for the dinner pairing. (Caesar salad, rosemary prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, chocolate mousse dessert).
Better still was the fact that only 2 other people at the table were helping me share the bottle ... :bottle:
Score: 96/100
Ooops ... I'm not sure why I put 2001 in the original title, but this bottle of Stag's was from 1991.
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