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About Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, is a pioneering winery located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. The winery's journey began with the purchase of the Stag's Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.), marking the start of a legacy that would redefine the landscape of American winemaking. Warren Winiarski's passion for wine, ignited during a year-long trip to Italy, led him to experiment with winemaking and eventually move to Napa Valley, where he worked with influential figures like Philip M. Wagner and Maynard Amerine before establishing his own winery.

Standout Features

Historical Significance and Awards

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international recognition in 1976 with its historic victory at the Judgment of Paris, where its 1973 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon outperformed some of the most prestigious French wines in a blind taste test. This achievement not only put California on the global winemaking map but also established Stag's Leap as a global superstar.

Unique Vineyards and Winemaking Style

The winery is known for its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons, particularly from the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards. The S.L.V. vineyard produces wines with intense dark fruit concentration, while the FAY vineyard yields wines with a softer, richer berry expression. These vineyards contribute to the flagship wine, CASK 23, which combines the best characteristics of both vineyards.

Quality and Consistency

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is renowned for its commitment to balance, depth, and subtle endurance in its wines. The winery avoids crafting overly tannic, bold wines, instead focusing on elegance and classical structure reminiscent of great Bordeaux. This approach has earned the winery consistent acclaim from wine critics and enthusiasts alike.

FAQs

What is the significance of the Judgment of Paris?

The Judgment of Paris, held in 1976, was a blind wine tasting competition where Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won first place among top French and California wines. This victory marked a turning point for American winemaking, establishing Napa Valley as a major player in the global wine industry.

How do I distinguish between Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Stags' Leap Winery?

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Stags' Leap Winery are often confused due to their similar names. The key difference lies in the placement of the apostrophe: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has the apostrophe before the "S," while Stags' Leap Winery has it after the "S".

What are the flagship wines of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars?

The flagship wines include CASK 23, S.L.V., and FAY, all of which are highly regarded for their quality and aging potential. These wines showcase the best characteristics of the estate vineyards and are among the most collected Cabernet Sauvignons in the world.

How can I purchase wines from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars?

Wines can be purchased directly from the winery's website, through the wine club, or during visits to the winery. The winery also participates in auctions and special sales events, offering rare and vintage wines to collectors.

What is the current ownership of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars?

As of May 2023, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was acquired by Italy-based Marchesi Antinori, also the owners of Antinori Napa Valley.