Stag's Leap Karia Chardonnay 2020

Apple tart with some stone and toffee aromas, as well as some flint, following through to a medium-to full-bodied, tight and compact palate with some creaminess. Tight finish. Drink or hold.

**Wine Spectators' #8 Top Value Wine of 2021** Many leading producers of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon also make Chardonnay, and one of the best of the pack comes from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Winemaker Marcus Notaro blends fruit from vineyards in southern Napa Valley to make this voluptuously juicy-tasting version that stays fresh with rich acidity. It’s been his goal over the past few years with Karia (the ancient Greek word for “graceful”) to align the winemaking more tightly to the vineyard. From Oak Knoll and Atlas Peak, where he thinks the Chardonnay fruit is richer, Notaro taps more new wood for barrel-fermenting and aging. With fruit from the cooler Coombsville and Carneros appellations, he doesn’t use malolactic fermentation, thus preserving the natural acidity that malo softens. Notaro also relies on more native yeast for the fermentations to add complexity. He then balances the lots together, accentuating the best characteristics of each in the final blend. (KM)

The 2019 Chardonnay Karia sings of fresh pineapple, Bosc pears and spice cake, with hints of candied ginger, beeswax and cashews. Medium to full-bodied, intense and spicy in the mouth, it has an alluring satiny texture and a nutty finish.

Made in a full-bodied style, with a grip of oak laden in baking spice, this wine is complex and well structured. Peach and pear flavors add to the richness and enduring softness of the texture.

Clean and brisk, this takes creamy Napa Valley ripeness and adds a smoky, raw-almond depth of flavor. Pour it with mackerel pâté.

Ripe yellow fruits and toasty, nutty, oak-driven aromas from fermentation and eight months’ ageing mainly in 30% new barriques with a small portion in stainless steel. The palate is thick and forward thanks to 89% malolactic fermentation, with subtle acidity propping up the finish. From grapes sourced from across Napa Valley, including Atlas Peak, Oak Knoll, Carneros and Coombsville. Drinking Window 2020 - 2026

The 2018 Chardonnay Karia comes from a selection from throughout the valley and offers a light gold color as well as a rich, well oaked, buttery style that includes attractive orchard fruits, white flowers, vanilla, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. It has good acidity as well and is balanced and medium-bodied, all making for a certainly delicious Chardonnay geared for near-term drinking.