Stag’s Leap

A Napa legend, Stag’s Leap winery was founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski with 18 hectares in the Stag’s Leap district. The second vintage, 1973, won the ‘Judgement of Paris’ tasting in 1976 launching the winery into the stratosphere. ‘Cask 23’ was launched with the 1974 vintage – initially because a single cask bearing that number was so exceptional – and it is only released in exceptional vintages. Two major purchases in the 80s and 90s increased the vineyard are to 106 hectares, with additiona fruit bought in from a further 280 hectares. Winiarski sold the property to a partnership of Ste Michelle Estates and Piero Antinori in 2007. Although a big volume producer today, the quality of the wines, especially the vineyard bottlings, is still top notch.