‘Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has a long and distinguished wine reputation and is considered a Napa Valley first-growth estate. We are best known for our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons. Over the years, these wines have become some of the most highly regarded and collected wines worldwide. They are fashioned to express classic elegance, structure, and ageability, and to reflect the place in which they are grown.’

Founded by Warren Winiarski in 1970, the winery’s first release, the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, would go on to beat world-famous reds produced by first-growth Bordeaux châteaux like Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion at the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The winery is co-owned by Chateau St Michelle and Antinori.

The name KARIA (KAR-ee-ah) is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, and the KARIA Chardonnay lives up to its moniker. It shows how grapes from select cool-climate vineyards in southern Napa Valley can be vinified and blended into a seamless integration of fresh-fruit aromas and flavors, crisp acidity and subtle oak spice. Light and graceful: that’s KARIA.

KARIA comes from a tapestry of vineyards in the southern part of Napa Valley. The vineyards in Carneros, which are cooled in the mornings and evenings by breezes sweeping north from San Pablo Bay, contribute citrus and mineral notes to the wine. ARCADIA VINEYARD brings perfume and delicate fruit characters while our estate vineyard at Danika Ranch provides bright, juicy apple and pear personality to the blend. The fruit was picked early in the morning to keep it cool and then was whole cluster pressed to preserve the freshness. Oak and malolactic fermentation were used in moderation to accent, rather than overwhelm, the fruit.

Fermentation: 88% barrel; 12% stainless steel
Malolactic Fermentation: 87%
Barrel Aging: 9 months sur lies 32% new French oak
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley

This is a graceful Chardonnay with inviting aromas of apricot, honeysuckle, white peach, and brioche with a mineral-floral note. The wine has a bright and flavorful mouthfeel with a savory coating, texture, and lingering citrus flavors.

Try pairing this Chardonnay with grilled chicken with lemon aioli, grilled salmon with a cucumber, tomato and fresh dill salsa or roast chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta cheese.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points

Buttery aromas and flavors infuse this full-bodied, nicely fruity wine as mild lemon and pineapple flavors are coated with lactic notes. A creamy texture and butterscotch finish add to its appealing richness.

James Suckling – 90 points

Rounded aromas of baked lemon, lemon grass, nutmeg and straw. Medium-bodied. Wet stone and matchstick on the palate, with a silky texture and pleasant weight.