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Date Printed: 6/18/2013
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2005
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2005
 (search item no. 87845)

PRICE ON 6/18/2013: $29.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2010 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2009 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2008 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 This release marks a defining development for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Napa Valley Chardonnay as they give it the proprietary name – KARIA – to further establish its affinity to their estate wines. The name KARIA (kar-ee-ah) is derived from a Greek word meaning graceful, and it is this very character that is embodied in this wine.

With stylistic inspiration coming specifically from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Arcadia Vineyard Chardonnay, the wine is refreshing, light and graceful on the palate, with bright acidity supporting ripe fruit flavors and a butterfly kiss of oak. The allure of this wine begins with aromas of Bosc pear, lemon meringue, and a flinty note. The crisp apple, pear, and citrus flavors linger across the palate while hints of ginger and coconut unfold. A delicate richness best describes this KARIA Chardonnay, making it a versatile wine for the dinner table.

Try it with sole in a simple lemon and butter sauce, or with seared Day Boat scallops marinated in lime juice, soy and honey.
My Notes:

Additional wines from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars:

About Stag's Leap Wine Cellars:

 Considered one of the "first growths" of Napa Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from its historic Stags Leap District estate vineyards. Founded in 1970, the winery brought international recognition to California winemaking and the Napa Valley when the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the now famout 1976 Paris Tasting, also known as the "Judgement of Paris." Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' three estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons - CASK 23, S.L.V. and Fay - are among the most highly regarded and collected Cabernet Sauvignons worldwide. The wines are fashioned to express richness balanced by elegant restraint, an approach often described as "an iron fist in a velvet glove."