Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2023

Cellar for up to 9 years. Serve chilled. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of Napa’s legendary producers thanks to the so-called Judgement of Paris blind tasting competition in 1976 where the estate’s 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon took first place. The winery was founded by Warren Winiarski in 1972 after he left behind an academic career to pursue winemaking, studying under Robert Mondavi. Winiarski agreed to secretly enter the very first vintage of his wine in the Paris competition. At the tasting the panel of French wine experts placed his wine ahead of many top Bordeaux chateaux including Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. As well as their magnificent Cabernet, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars also produce some stunning Chardonnay like this elegant example which is named after the Greek word for “graceful”. Fruit is sourced from selected cool climate vineyards in southern Napa Valley with the must fermented in oak barrels to add a creamy texture and plenty of polish. The young wine is then matured on the lees for 8 months in 30% new oak French barrels. The result is a light and refined Chardonnay with ripe stone fruit and citrus flavours carefully balanced by soft tannins, a generous medium body, and hints of spice on the long finish. There’s notes of pear, honeydew melon and hazelnut on the palate with a persistent freshness which makes this a great match for grilled salmon, roast chicken, or leafy summer salads with feta or halloumi.