Stags’ Leap wines for the holidays

Now at New Castle Liquors! Established in 1893, Stags’ Leap Winery is one of the oldest wine estates within the acclaimed Stags Leap District, producing wines expressive of its unique terroir. With an enduring winemaking philosophy that honors traditional techniques while embracing modern capabilities, and by using the finest grapes from our own 80-acre vineyard and from quality-focused growers, Stags’ Leap wines embody a natural balance, exhibiting both intensity and finesse, while bringing forth the inherent qualities of each variety.

2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is expressive and inviting, with a bouquet of wild blackberry and fresh black currant fruit alongside delicate floral notes of geranium and violet, with warmer notes of caramel, sweet cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper spice coming through from the oak integration. On the palate, the berry fruit profile continues with juicy blackberry, cassis and strawberry, but there are also hints of sweet tobacco, brown spice and bittersweet chocolate, giving this Cabernet a rich charm and fullness. Seamlessly integrated oak and cocoa-powdery tannins provide a plush mouthfeel and add layers of complexity, all wrapping up with a lengthy textured finish. Incredibly approachable and pleasing upon release, this wine is sure to impress and pair well alongside many culinary treats. ABV 14.3%

93 Points from JamesSuckling.com
“This shows lots of beautiful fruit with blackcurrants and boysenberries and there are also fine tannins that give it form and tension. Medium to full body. Lovely, fine tannins. Pretty intensity of fruit at the finish. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

2016 Napa Valley Merlot

With freshness emphasizing its southern Napa origins, the 2015 Merlot combines dark juicy black cherry and macerated strawberry fruit with light floral violets side-by-side subtle hints of caramel, cinnamon, clove and tobacco spice savoryness, imparted from the oak ageing. The generous fruit flavors, polished structure, refreshing acidity, present tannins and plush texture show just how elegant Merlot can be. ABV 14.5%

2018 Napa Valley Chardonnay

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 (a nod to the well-integrated French Oak) 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 battonage 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. ABV 13.5%

93 Points from JamesSuckling.com
“A beautiful, complex chardonnay with sliced apples and pears, as well as hints of cream and matchstick. Full body. Stone fruit. Long and flavorful. Drink now.” – James Suckling, February 2020

You’ll find the Stags’ Leap wines on the black shelf at the front of the store. New Castle Liquors is located just off I-70, exit 105, in the New Castle Plaza. We’re open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The store will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopen at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020.