Pale straw color; tropical and citrus, meyer lemon, granny smith apple, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, passionfruit, honeydew melon, pear, some herbaceous notes, boxwood, wet stones on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannins; sharp, tangy acidity (3.1 pH). Medium body. Blend of 68% sauvignon blanc, 27% sauvignon musqué, 4% sémillon, 1% muscat canelli. The sauvignon musqué clone is the most intensely aromatic sauv blanc in the wine world and represents only about two percent of sauv blanc plantings in California. The “musqué” name is French for “musky” or “muscat-like” and references the intense aromatics. Although a sauv blanc clone, it differs significantly from its parent, with passionfruit, pineapple, and grapefruit notes in addition to its aromatics. Wine spent six months in stainless steel 50% and 50% in older French barrels, both fermentation vessels work well with sauv blanc and especially sauvignon musqué in stainless because oak muffles musqué aromas, thus negating their intended use in the blend. 13.5% ABV
Stag’s Leap thinks 2023 vintage “could be the vintage of the decade. It is among the coolest growing seasons in Napa Valley in the past ten-plus years, resulting in wines that are exceptionally flavorful, expressive, and have strong potential to age for decades to come.” Ample rainfall—39.6 inches, double the previous years. Cool weather delayed budbreak, but summer was classic Napa with warm, sunny days followed by cool sea breezes in the late afternoon. The result was a slow, even ripening period.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars began in 1970 with the purchase of the S.L.V. vineyard. Six years later it made history with the top-ranked cabernet sauvignon at the famed “Judgment of Paris.” Today, the website notes: “The vineyard team, led by Guillermo Perez, ensures that the vineyards live in harmony with the natural environment surrounding them; they promote a healthy ecosystem in which the vineyards and local flora and fauna thrive. Head winemaker Marcus Notaro and his team produce inimitable Stags Leap District and Napa Valley wines of classic beauty from the attentively and meticulously farmed vines.” Jorge Ramirez Perez and Luis Contreras are the winemakers; Guillermo Perez is the senior vineyard manager.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2023 is distinctive interpretation of sauvignon blanc from a famous, quality maker in a stellar vintage in Napa. In particular, the use of 27% the sauvignon blanc clone sauvignon musqué delivers intense aromatics and flavor notes not found in purer sauv blanc plays. This is not a New Zealand effort, but a distinctive Napa take on the famously food-friendly grape. Pairings—exceptionally versatile, pair with oysters, clams, scallops, prawns, light grilled or poached white fish (cod, halibut, snapper, sea bass, barramundi), sushi, sashimi. Grilled or roasted chicken with herbs; turkey or pork chohps with citrus-based sauces. Spicy ethinic cuisine—Thai, Greek, Mexican dishes with fresh herbs, lime, avocado; fish tacos with cilantro and lime. Cheese—fresh goat cheese, chèvre; feta, aged gouda, gruyère, brie, asiago. Avoid blue cheeses and smoked cheeses. $30-38
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars website
