The story of Cask 23 began during the harvest of 1974. Back then, the winery enlisted the help of celebrated winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. As he tasted through various lots of new wines from that year, one lot from S.L.V. was so beautiful and deliciously distinct the winery decided it should be bottled separately. It was named Cask 23 for the large wooden cask in which it was aged.

Today, the wine is a blend of the most distinctive fruit from the S.L.V and Fay vineyards, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and richness balanced by restraint. Over the years, Cask 23 has become one of the most highly regarded and collected wines worldwide.

The 2012 Stag's Leap Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 is a notable wine that has garnered impressive reviews from several esteemed wine critics. Produced in the renowned Napa Valley region of California, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the quality and tradition of its producer, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

This vintage, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, is characterized by its deep ruby/purple hue and complex flavor profile. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it a stellar 96 points, describing it as "a much deeper, richer, fuller wine than the S.L.V." and noting its "beautiful blackberry and cassis fruit, cedar wood, toast and earth" aromas. Parker further complimented its balance and structure, stating it is "probably the strongest Cask 23 since the glory years of the mid-80s" and predicting it will age effortlessly for 25 years.

Decanter also praised the 2012 Cask 23, giving it a 95-point score and calling it "the best Cask 23 in recent memory." The reviewer highlighted its "inviting perfume, mouth-coating texture," and "intense black fruit and layers of graphite, cedar and firm yet elegant tannins."

Vinous provided a slightly more reserved review, awarding the wine 91 points. Antonio Galloni described it as "the biggest and richest" among Stag's Leap Wine Cellars’ offerings, with "blue and black fruits, violets and sweet spices" contributing to its generous finish. However, he noted that it "stops short of being truly exciting."

Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast each rated the wine 93 points. Wine Spectator's review emphasized its balance and complexity, stating it has "a mix of complex currant, blackberry, black licorice and dried herb flavors" and ends with "a subtle, expansive aftertaste." Wine Enthusiast noted its "thick and dense" nature, with managed tannins and a sense of minerality. The review mentioned a "powerful grip" that transitions to "satisfying end notes of coffee and toffee."

In summary, the 2012 Stag's Leap Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 is a robust and well-crafted wine, praised for its depth, balanced structure, and potential for aging. It is highly recommended for those looking to experience a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.