Winemaker Notes
The 2017 CASK 23 combines the signature perfume notes of FAY vineyard with the structure and dark fruit of S.L.V. The wine opens with a rich berry medley and silky, layered aromas of dates, cocoa spice, cassis, black olive, and pomegranate. The palate is full in structure, yet balanced and persistent with a lush texture. Flavors of currant, dark cherry, and spice linger on the finish. Enjoy this CASK 23 with red wine braised Osso Buco and wild mushroom risotto, green olive crusted lamb rack with fennel & couscous or New York steak au poivre with honey and sherry glazed shallots.
Critical Acclaim
95 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
A barrel sample, the 2017 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon is very deep purple-black colored with pronounced notes of crème de cassis, mocha, plum preserves and unsmoked cigars with touches of dried herbs, fragrant soil and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a great intensity of ripe black fruit and grainy tannins with just enough freshness and a long, slightly chewy finish.
Barrel Sample: (93 – 95)+
95 Wine & Spirits
On the spring day our panel tasted this wine, sitting outdoors, the breeze picked up as we approached this glass, and it seemed to cool down its intense concentration. As it turned out, that cool concentration stayed with the wine for days after opening, a structural component giving this the clarity and lively power of an epic Cask 23 vintage. Marcus Notaro finalized the blend at 52 percent from S.L.V. and 48 percent from Fay and aged it almost two years in new French oak barrels. The tannins are rich, the aroma smoky, but the bright liveliness of the fruit—the persimmon, the cherry and the fresh cigar tobacco—are the elements that shine through. Youthful and unevolved, this wine is an investment in the future, with patient cellaring required.
95 James Suckling
This has a fresh, fruity nose of blackberries, small black cherries, mahogany, anise and crushed hazelnuts. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, silky texture. Seamlessly smooth, ripe tannins accompany velvety layers of ripe blue and black fruit. Wonderful now or in years to come. Better in 2023.
