2020 Karia Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
94% barrel-fermented, 6% stainless steel. 64% malolactic conversion. Aged 9 months on lees in barrel, 32% new French oak. The Karia blend relies on a mix of vineyard sources from throughout the southern and cooler portions of Napa Valley, and a small portion of fruit from Atlas Peak for a bit of richness. Subtle aromas carry into the palate where the wine picks up richness from a mix of warming baking spices and crème brûlée flavours. Elements of baked pear and light crisp apple deliver an overall taste experience of a French dessert, without the sweetness. The wine is persistent, carrying into a long finish with a crack of white pepper in the close. (ECB)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
About the producer
Warren Winiarski founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1970 when he purchased the Stag’s Leap Vineyard in Napa’s Stags Leap District. The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon – only the second vintage – won the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting, rocketing the estate to fame.