1997 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet

The 1997 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet 3 L is from the Stags Leap District of California. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was founded by Warren Winiarski in 1970 and quickly won worldwide acclaim after it took first place in a blind tasting among first and second growth Bordeaux. Stag's Leap produces renowned Cabernet from three estate-grown vineyards - CASK 23, S.L.V. and Fay. These wines are crafted to balance richness and elegance, an approach often described as "an iron fist in a velvet glove." In 2007, Winiarski decided to retire and no family members were in a position to take the business reigns, so Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was sold to Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori Srl of Italy for $185 million. Since the transition, the wine quality has improved according to Robert Parker. Where he found the Winiarski-made wines in the 70's and 80's some of the best he has ever tasted, the wines from 1990-2006 are not his favorite. With the new owner the richness is back and the elegance still present, and scores from Wine Advocate are back in the 94+ range.