Recently, I had the unique opportunity to join Stags’ Leap Winery, the iconic, 130-year-old brand known as one of Napa Valley’s first-ever wineries, for an intimate dinner paired with their award-winning wines. The exclusivity of the event added an element of intrigue to the evening.
In the Blue Room decorated by cyan walls and mid-century art, a large square table was elegantly orchestrated. Journalists and wine lovers alike, sat with Senior Winemaker and General Manager Ludovic Dervin at Freemans Restaurant, a cozy, American tavern tucked at the end of an unused alley. From the moment you walk into Freeman’s Alley towards the tavern, you know you are into something mysterious and unique. That was, for me, a sign of the mood we were about to experience.
Stags’ Leap Winery puts immersive storytelling at the front. They excelled at providing pairing moments to create the vibe to bring you through the brand’s rich history.
From the moment many of us confused this winery for the one associated with the Judgement of Paris (a historic event in which Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon won against top French wines in a blind tasting) to the moment Stags’ Leap Winery is growing Viognier in the exclusive Stags Leap District and every story in between, we were treated as part of a friends and family affair.
Ludovic Dervin, a French national and veteran of the American wine industry in Napa, shared some of his winemaking techniques and priorities on Stags’ Leap. His emphasis on showcasing the Terroir, the purity of the vineyards, and the fruit-forward character—an American staple- gave us a sense of connection to the process. He picks early, fresh fruit rather than ripe fruit before it reaches the jammy character, a personal touch that resonated with us.
The Viognier was a sensory delight with its ripe fruit and unmatched flavor profile. It boasted orange bliss and stone fruit character. Also some astringency, nuts, and wet, which paired perfectly with mussels marinated with coconut sauce.
A blend of citrus notes, subtle mineral flavors, and a restrained oak influence characterizes this well-balanced wine. It is notable for its absence of malolactic fermentation. The oak influence further enhances its harmony, creating a sophisticated and enjoyable wine experience.
This elegant Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant citrus flavors such as tangerine and grapefruit. Delicious hints of tropical fruits, and a refreshing, crisp finish. It’s perfect for warm summer days. It pairs with light seafood dishes. This wine truly expresses its Terroir and is a testament to Stags Leap Winery’s winemaking expertise.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for those who appreciate full-bodied and complex wines. It has dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and oak. It has a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins, making for a smooth and elegant finish.
Petit Sirah was the best example of Stags Leap District wines overall. The wines from the regions are known for being ” iron fists in velvet gloves.” It had medium-moderated tannins and a velvety medium finish with violet notes.
One might think that the Stags Leap district has warm weather. However, but cold currents from Alaska help create a cooling effect for grapes to achieve the level of sugar and ripeness. According to Napa Vintners, Stags Leap AVA is a valley within a valley.
“Stags Leap District is located between the Stags Leap Palisades on the east side and the Napa River on the west. The Stags Leap District covers an area that is three miles long and one mile wide, with over half of its 2700 acres planted to grapevines. Stags Leap District wines are known for being an “iron fist in a velvet glove.” The wines are like this for several reasons. First, this area is low in the valley, so it has regular access to breezes and fog from San Pablo Bay, making for a cooler environment. Secondly, the knolls and the Palisades work to form a wind tunnel. Above a certain mph, the wind will shut down the vine, slowing photosynthesis and ripening. This extends the growing season considerably.”
This region is one of the most prestigious and smallest AVAs with unique soils, which the French call Terroir. The soils feature a mix of sandstone, shale, gravelly loam, and volcanic material.
The rocky hillsides of the Stags Leap Palisades reflect heat and cause the vineyards to grow hotter more quickly than other areas in Napa Valley, but in the evening, the cooling marine breeze from San Pablo Bay sweeps through like a funnel. The nighttime cooling breeze from San Pablo Bay and surrounding hills produces lower overnight temperatures, which allows grapes to achieve a desirable balance of acid and sugar. This results in a longer growing season with warm days and cooler nights, which is beneficial for cultivating late-maturing grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Hence, Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape here, and the wines tend to be soft, with plush fruit and ripe tannins, but sometimes feature strident acidity.
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