94 Points James Suckling
A very fine-tannined red with blackberry, chocolate, dried chili, ink pot, and oyster shell aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very structured, with a flavorful and lightly austere finish. Top petite sirah. Drink or hold.
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
Oak char and black pepper aromas lead to drenching blackberry and blueberry flavors in this rich and intensely tannic wine. The color is black to a reddish rim, the texture is thick and a bit drying, and the body is full. This wine needs time and/or a good decanting to loosen up. Best from 2027.
90 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This 2020 Petite Sirah has lovely floral aromatic intensity showcasing notes of fresh violet, candied floral blossom and black raspberry. On the palate, these notes are echoed, with layers of creamy blueberry, ripe Bing cherry, raspberry gelato, and black cherry liquor. There is a richness and opulence to this wine, with intriguing power and intensity while the tannins come across fresh and chewy adding structure, finesse, and complexity. Secondary notes of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, and cocoa-nibs harken to the well-integrated subtle oak character that leads to a lengthy mouthwatering finish. This is a perfect example of classic Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, certain to age and provide enjoyment for many years to come.
Winery History
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is unquestionably one of Napa Valley’s benchmark producers. At the now legendary “Spurrier Tasting” of ’76, this operation topped the world’s best – most notably the Bordeaux first growths – and sent shock waves through the wine world. It was the first time that an American winery had ever gone toe-to-toe with the Old World and delivered a haymaker, and the fact that the judges were French only made it sweeter. It was a turning point for the entire California wine industry. Now in their fifth decade, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has expanded their portfolio to include some fabulous whites to accompany their muscular Cabs. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the winery that changed it all. They’ve made a few changes internally as well... a partnership between Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori proudly accepted the stewardship of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and its legacy in 2007, cinching their success for years to come.
