Stags Leap Wine Cellars Karia Vintage 2017

A wine estate that needs no introduction having being catapulted into fame with the Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. The name KARIA is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, and the 2017 KARIA Chardonnay lives up to its moniker. It shows how grapes from select cool-climate vineyards in southern Napa Valley can be vinified and blended into a seamless integration of fresh-fruit aromas and flavors, crisp acidity and subtle oak spice. Light and graceful: that’s KARIA.

Typical blend Chardonnay. 75cl bottle. Abv 14.5%

Bottle condition, capsule excellent, label excellent, wine level 1cm below base of cork

On the nose: red apple/pear and some pool cleaner. Little bit of toast and nuts from the oak. On the palate: The same crisp apple paired with gentle acidity. Little bit of melon rind. Overall: this 2017 Karia is drinking better right now than the 2016.