“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 land where grapes had been planted in the 1880s by T.L. Grigsby (of nearby Occidental Winery, today’s Regusci Winery). The construction of the Manor House in 1890 was followed by the blasting of the Historic Wine Cave and first vintage in 1893. By 1895 production on the estate was up to 40,000 gallons of wine. Wine production has been interrupted periodically since the first Chase vintage due to financial reversals, Prohibition, and war; however, wine grapes have been grown continuously on the estate since its founding. A fashionable country resort in the mid-twentieth century (the Grange Era), popular with Hollywood due to its 1890s stone Manor House and historic gardens, legends of bootleggers and gangsters, ghosts and gypsies, Stags’ Leap has been home to three major family groups up through the modern revitalization of the winery that began in the 1970s.”
1st Course Steamed Mussels in White Wine, Garlic and Butter
Wine-Stags’ Leap Viognier Napa Valley “The 2019 Viognier is vibrant, aromatic and lively, showcasing the variety’s classic stone fruit characters alongside a fragrant floral bouquet. The wine is bright with refreshing acidity that is crisp with nuances of citrus blossom, white peach, Asian pear and lychee, alongside hints of key lime, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle. Hints of flinty minerality lead to a lovely depth and rich creaminess of the texture. This Viognier has incredible complexity, finishing soft and round with an elegant, delicately spiced floral note. Perfect for warm weather al fresco dining occasions, allowing you to pair with lighter fare and spicy exotic dishes, creating a perfect accompaniment to any occasion.”
2nd Course Lobster and Fennel Lasagna with Shiitake Cream Sauce
Wine-Stags’ Leap Chardonnay Napa Valley “The fragrant citrus blossom bouquet opens with aromas of delicate Meyer lemon and lime zest, fresh white peach and floral honeysuckle, alongside more subtle hints of Tarte Tatin and brioche toast which fills the glass and encourages you to dive into this lively Chardonnay. The palate is refreshingly mouthwatering with nuances of lemon meringue, green apple, guava and Asian pear, while also showing a luscious texture that is rich and balanced (hinting at the delicate batonnage lees stirring that occurs during the winemaking process). With well-integrated vanilla and caramel oak notes and extraordinary length and depth on the finish, this wine is round, full and bright, yet generous in style and maintains a core of freshness due to its acidity, which creates an elegant Chardonnay full of grace and complexity. 93 pts. James Suckling”
Entrée Roast Pork Loin with Tomato Chutney Aioli Creamy Polenta
Wine-Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah Napa Valley “The 2017 Petite Sirah is vibrant and expressive with a cornucopia of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry fruits interwoven with floral musky notes of violet and jasmine, alongside more savory herbal notes of white pepper, earthy loam and crushed rock mineral notes. On the palate, juicy flavors of creamy cassis, macerated blackberry, cherry kirsch, black licorice and peppery plum envelope the rich, saturated mouthfeel, followed by a subtle black gunpowder tea, allspice and black pepper note from the oak ageing integrates seamlessly. This wine is intense and robust with velvety tannins and a generous lengthy finish, with acidity supporting throughout, encouraging you to enjoy it now, but has the depth and complexity to age for many years to come.”
Dessert Frozen Lemon Zabaglione
$45 per person