About this winery
On one of California’s earliest wine estates, a unique terroir and ideal microclimate support a classical standard of viticulture, land use, and winemaking that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. An intimate valley within the greater Napa Valley, Stags’ Leap is a place of natural beauty, storied buildings and gardens, a lively history, and a reputation for elegant wines showing finesse and intensity. Estate Founder Horace Chase partnered with his uncle, W. W. Thompson, on...
See the Stags' Leap detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
The majority of the Petite Sirah fruit comes from estate vineyards in Oakville, and additional fruit is sourced from a diverse selection of northern and southern Napa Valley vineyards to broaden the wine’s floral and spicy characteristics. The Merlot is grown on the Stags’ Leap estate in the heart of the Stags Leap District, and a selection of southern valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon fruit makes up the balance of the blend.
Production notes
Maceration and fermentation followed suit for each of the varieties, which allowed winemaker Christophe Paubert to monitor and evaluate each lot individually, coaxing each varietal to its maximum potential. The wine aged in oak for 18 months - the Petite Sirah in American oak barrels (25% new) while the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec went to French oak (30% new). The final assemblage was blended just prior to bottling.
Tasting notes
The Investor is rich in dark berry fruits alongside alluring notes of black licorice, pepper, tobacco leaf and leather, with touches of savory chaparral herbs, gingery orange zest, and hints of delicate floral on the nose. Generous and concentrated with full flavors of blackberry, blueberry, plum and black cherry, followed by soft tannins and a juicy, mouthwatering acidity.
