Stag's Leap
Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2024
| Denomination | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | California (United States of America) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Partially aged in French oak barriques for about 8 months on the lees (sur lie) |
- Origin Napa Valley: Californian Chardonnay grown on volcanic and alluvial soils
- Flavour profile: medium-bodied dry wine with lively acidity and a refined mineral note
- Aromas on the nose: hints of green apple, lime, citron, jasmine, coriander and lychee
- Vinification: whole bunch pressing, partial malolactic fermentation, aged for 8 months on the lees
- Ideal pairings: shellfish, sushi, white meats, creamy risottos and blue cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Karia by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a still white wine made from Chardonnay grapes, an elegant expression of the Napa Valley denomination in California. On the nose, it offers a fragrant bouquet with aromas of green apple, lime zest and citron, accompanied by hints of white flowers, coriander and white pepper. On the palate, it presents a rounded texture, balanced by lively acidity and a clear mineral streak, the result of moderate malolactic fermentation and ageing on the lees in French oak barrels. The sip, with a clean and persistent finish, recalls notes of white peach and Asian pear, making it ideal for pairing with seafood dishes, sushi, white meats and blue cheeses.
Where it comes from
This wine is produced in California, in the renowned Napa Valley, a region famous for its volcanic and alluvial soils. Its distinctive character comes from a careful blend of grapes from districts with different microclimates. The Carneros vineyards benefit from cool maritime breezes that favour a clear citrus expression, while the grapes from Atlas Peak provide structure. The Coombsville area ensures deep aromatic complexity, while the clusters from Oak Knoll contribute juicy fruity notes. The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars winery interprets these different territorial vocations to offer a perfect balance between intensity and finesse.
How it is produced
Harvesting takes place at dawn, followed by whole cluster pressing, which is essential to preserve the freshness of the must. Vinification involves partial malolactic fermentation, aimed at softening the flavour profile while maintaining the purity of the fruit. The wine then matures for about eight months on the lees in French oak barrels. This ageing on the lees gives the Chardonnay a silky texture, developing a subtle toasted hint and delicate spicy notes that harmoniously integrate with the varietal character of the grapes.
History and Curiosities
The name Karia comes from Greek and means 'graceful', a tribute to the innate elegance of this fine Californian Chardonnay. Since its founding in 1970, the renowned Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has produced wines that masterfully balance power and finesse, enhancing the volcanic and alluvial soils of the region. The result of carefully selected vineyards in the famous Napa Valley, this white offers a high-level tasting experience, celebrated by international critics with an impressive 94 points from Decanter.
Awards
-
2024
94/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2024
92/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1970
This historic winery was made famous in 1976, the year of the "Judgment of Paris", a blind winetasting that was conducted in Paris with a panel of 9 French tasters who tasted samples of California’s best Cabernet and Chardonnay and matched them against some of the finest labels from Bordeaux and Burgandy. Despite pessimistic predictions, due to the fact that Californian wines were only considered an interesting "novelty" in the world of wine, they were declared the winners. First place was assigned to S.L.V. 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap, a phenomenon that created an upheaval in the world’s viticultural circles.
The Antinori family had been a managing partner since 2007 while in 2023, they acquired the entire Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars estate to preserve and continue to pursue the extraordinary legacy of this unique winery. Read more
| Name | Stag's Sleap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2024 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | United States of America |
| Region | California |
| Vendor | Stag's Leap |
| Story | History and Curiosities The name Karia comes from Greek and means 'graceful', a tribute to the innate elegance of this fine Californian Chardonnay. Since its founding in 1970, the renowned Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has produced wines that masterfully balance power and finesse, enhancing the volcanic and alluvial soils of the region. The result of carefully selected vineyards in the famous Napa Valley, this white offers a high-level tasting experience, celebrated by international critics with an impressive 94 points from Decanter. |
| Origin | Napa Valley, California, United States |
| Soil composition | Volcanic and alluvial soils |
| Production technique | Grapes harvested early in the morning and whole-bunch pressed; moderate malolactic fermentation; ageing in French oak barriques on the lees (sur lie) for approximately 8 months |
| Wine making | Grapes harvested early in the morning and whole-bunch pressed to maintain freshness; malolactic fermentation applied in moderation; oak ageing in moderation, in 100% French oak barriques (39% new, 61% used) for about 8 months on the lees (sur lie). |
| Aging | Partially aged in French oak barriques for about 8 months on the lees (sur lie) |
| Total acidity | 6.6 gr/L |
| PH | 3.34 |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |