As in 1990, fruit for the 1991 Cask 23 blend came from both S.L.V. and Fay estate
vineyards. The vineyards adjoin below the rocky outcropping of Stags Leap. The climate is
temperate with maritime influences moderating summer heat and little frost exposure. Bale clay
loam and earth formed from igneous rock and gravelly alluvium combine to form a rich but well
drained substrata for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot. Each vineyard provides its
own beauty to the blend; although the youth of the Fay Vineyard relative to S.L.V. perhaps
emphasizes these distinctions, slight differences in their physical attributes seem to point to true
character differences in each vineyard. We further highlight these through fruit blends and winemaking techniques. S.L.V. provides black berry and fruit characteristics, and classical Bordeaux elements of tea leaf, earthy richness, dense structure and multi-layered textures. Fay Vineyard offers voluptuous cherry aromas and flavors that caress the palate.