Stag Leap’s Wine Cellars, ‘Karia’, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2022

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ remarkable portfolio represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley wines, with classic characteristics and astonishing calibre. Winemaker Marcus Notaro and his team handcraft wines that reflect the land on which the grapes are grown and stylistically honour the terroir that bestows them a balance of richness and elegance, softness and structure.

The name KARIA (KAR-ee-ah) is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, and the 2022 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 flavours, crisp acidity and subtle oak spice. Light and graceful: that’s KARIA.

This is a graceful Chardonnay with fragrant aromas of ripe mango, honeydew melon and peach along with hints of key lime pie, apple and floral notes. This medium-bodied wine has a bright and flavourful mouthfeel full of fruit and a touch of creamy vanilla spice, leading to a lasting citrus and melon finish. 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.

www.stagsleapwinecellars.com