Stag's Leap - Napa Valley

The story of Stag's Leap

The Judgment of Paris or the Rise of Napa Valley

Stag's Leap was founded in the 1970s by Warren Winiarski, who was convinced of the potential of the region's terroir. He bought 44 acres near the Nathan Fay estate, whose wines he adored.

The estate's history is linked to the Judgment of Paris during the bicentennial of American independence. Organized by Steven Spurrier, an English wine merchant who owned the Caves de la Madeleine in Paris, the Judgment of Paris brought together a large number of French experts and critics. On this occasion, French and American wines were tasted blind by sommeliers and oenologists. The cuvée...Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignonof 1973 was judged better thanChâteau Mouton-RothschildAndChâteau Haut-Brion.This tasting of the 3rd vintage of the cuvée challenged French supremacy and highlighted the quality of the wines of theNapa Valley.

In 2007, Ste Michelle Wine Estate and Marchesi Antinori entered into a partnership to ensure the management and development of this large estate.

Stag's Leap Vineyard

Napa Valley, paradise of Bordeaux grape varieties

Warren Winiarski then planted Bordeaux grape varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. A few years later, he expanded his estate by acquiring Nathan Fay's vineyards. Bordeaux grape varieties are showcased and thrive in the climate of theNapa Valley.
Today, the estate comprises 3 distinct vineyards: Stag's Leap Vineyard (SLV), Fay Vineyard in the Stag's Leap AVA and Danika Ranch Vineyard in the Oak Knoll district.

The Stag's Leap vineyard consists of a majority ofCabernet Sauvignon and Merlot complemented by Cabernet Franc and Petit VerdotIt covers 35 acres of volcanic soils which bring a great deal of complexity to the wines. Marcus Notaro is the current winemaker.

The style of the wine

2 legendary vintages

Among the estate's wines, we find the legendary trio of the house's wines: SLV, Fay and Cask 23.

Cask 23This is the estate's flagship wine. The one that launched its reputation. The wine is only produced in the finest vintages. It is aged 90% in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks, then blended in barrel number 23. This number gave the wine its name, as this barrel is said to impart its unique character to this legendary vintage.

ArtemisIt is nicknamed the little brother of Cask 23. The wine's name refers to the goddess of the hunt, a reminder of the search for the best grapes in the year's harvest. It is made from a blend of the finest grapes from the most prestigious terroirs of Napa Valley.

Wines are benchmarks of theNapa Valleyand highlighted the potential of the terroir of theNapa Valley.Their place on the international stage of fine wines is no longer in question!