Description
Stags’ Leap Winery is one of Napa Valley’s oldest estates, founded in 1893. In the 1970s, Carl Doumani brought it back to life. At a time when most of Napa chased Cabernet, he made Petite Sirah the flagship. The estate still farms some of the valley’s oldest Petite Sirah vines.
This Napa Valley bottling is mostly Petite Sirah. In 2020 the blend was 89% Petite Sirah, with Grenache, Syrah and a little of other Rhône grapes. It aged 15 months in American oak, 19% of it new.
Your first swirl of the 2020 brings violet, candied blossom and black raspberry. Then the palate fills with creamy blueberry, Bing cherry and black cherry. Roasted coffee, dark chocolate and cocoa nibs sit behind the fruit. The tannins are chewy and firm, and the finish is long and mouthwatering.
Critics gave the 2020 strong marks. James Suckling scored it 94 points. Wine Enthusiast gave it 92, and Wine Advocate gave it 90.
The winery suggests serving it near 65°F. Decant it for about two hours so the tannins can relax. This big loves grilled meats, barbecue, hearty stews and aged cheese.
It also has the structure to age, so you can drink it now or lay a few bottles down. Each vintage tastes a little different, so check the year on your bottle.
