Karia Chardonnay (2023)
SommeliAI Insights
A graceful Chardonnay with aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms.
About this wine
This Chardonnay presents a complex bouquet with enticing aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms. The palate is greeted with a bright and vibrant entry, showcasing a harmonious blend of fruity flavors and a touch of hazelnut. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak add depth and richness, while the finish is enduringly savory, leaving a lasting impression with its lingering citrus notes. This wine's well-integrated acidity and balanced structure make it refreshing and satisfying. The name 'Karia' is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, reflecting the wine's elegant character.
About the grape
Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley winemaking. In the 1970s, Napa's Chardonnay gained international acclaim when a 1973 vintage from Chateau Montelena outperformed French counterparts in the Judgment of Paris tasting. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars sources Chardonnay grapes from cooler southern Napa areas like Carneros and Coombsville, where the climate allows for slow ripening, enhancing the grape's natural acidity and flavor complexity.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The name 'Karia' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'graceful,' reflecting the wine's elegant and balanced character.
- 🏆 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international fame when its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put California wines on the global map.
- 🌄 The 2023 Karia Chardonnay is crafted from grapes sourced from select cool-climate vineyards in southern Napa Valley, including Atlas Peak, Carneros, Coombsville, and Oak Knoll, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine.
- 🍑 This Chardonnay presents a complex bouquet with enticing aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms.
- 🌟 The 2023 vintage of Karia Chardonnay has received a rating of 92 points from James Suckling, highlighting its quality and appeal.
Palate profile
Producer
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski in Napa Valley, California, gained international acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, surpassing esteemed French wines. This victory was pivotal in establishing Napa Valley as a premier wine region. The winery's estate includes the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards, with the latter being the first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in the Stags Leap District. In 2007, the winery was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori, continuing its legacy of producing world-class wines.
