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Unveiling the Lush Tapestry of Stags Leap Manor: A Journey through its Rich and Colorful History
Experience the enchantment of Stags’ Leap Manor, where past and present converge to create an unforgettable wine experience. Delve into the tales of ghosts, mummies, mischievous monkeys, and intriguing “shady” dealings that have made this estate legendary. From its humble beginnings in 1872 to its current status as a highly esteemed winery, Stags’ Leap Manor is steeped in history that captivates the imagination.
1872 – A Vineyard is Born
It all started in 1872 when the Grigsby family planted grapes on the land that would become the Stags’ Leap estate. Over the years, the property changed hands through various owners, each adding their distinctive mark. In 1886, the Chase/Mizner era began, with Horace Chase and his wife Minnie hosting the crème de la crème of San Francisco society.
1886-1909: The Chase/Mizner Era
Horace Chase and Minnie Mizner created a haven of opulence and lavish hospitality at Stags’ Leap Manor. San Francisco’s elite flocked to this retreat, reveling in the winter activities and grand soirées. Horace, a visionary, recognized the potential of the grapes and built the first wine cave in the Napa Valley to produce exceptional wines.
Unfortunately, misfortune struck in 1909, and the Chases lost their fortune due to failed investments, leading to the loss of the property.
1913-1956: The Grange Era
In 1913, the Grange family, members of San Francisco society, acquired the estate. Clarence and Frances Grange transformed the Manor House into a year-round residence and created a destination resort that attracted the elite of their time. Frances’ ingenuity shone as she developed Stags’ Leap Manor into one of the most prominent resorts in the Napa Valley.
1956 – Between Grange and Doumani Eras
Following the Granges’ passing, the estate went through a period of neglect and temporary inhabitation. The wooden additions made by Frances Grange decayed, and the property fell into disrepair. During this time, intriguing rumors circulated, including tales of hippies squatting on the land and unauthorized parties taking place in the Manor House.
1970-1996: The Doumani Era
In 1970, Carl Doumani and his wife Joanne breathed new life into Stags’ Leap Manor. Their nine-year restoration project revived the estate’s original splendor, preserving the stonework and restoring the Stone Winery, Cottage, and grounds. Under Doumani’s ownership, the winemaking legacy was revived, and Stags’ Leap Winery gained a reputation for excellence, particularly with its cult-followed Petite Sirah.
1996 – The Treasury Wine Estates Era
Stags’ Leap Manor entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates in 1996. The commitment to preserving the estate’s charm and heritage continued with the construction of a magnificent wine cave and the creation of the Apothecary and Sensory Garden. The estate now boasts top-of-the-line winemaking facilities and beautifully landscaped areas that evoke the aromas and flavors of their exceptional wines.
With its rich history, picturesque setting, and commitment to producing top-quality wines, Stags’ Leap Manor is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts. Come and immerse yourself in the allure of this charming estate and experience the legacy that has made Stags’ Leap a true Napa Valley gem.
Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Experience the irresistible allure of our handcrafted Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the cooler appellations of Napa Valley. This exquisite wine captivates with its vibrant flavors and luxurious profile.
Immerse yourself in layers of bright red berry fruits, accompanied by a captivating floral potpourri. Delight in the subtle nuances of caramel, clove, and cedar, highlighting the well-integrated oak character.
Indulge your palate with the harmonious blend of Bing cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis. Complemented by hints of anise and lingering baking spice notes, this Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and plush mouthfeel that is truly captivating.
The velvety tannins embrace the dense fruit, providing impeccable balance and a textured sensation. Revel in the long, luscious finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Perfectly drinkable upon release, this Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an instant crowd-pleaser. Additionally, its exceptional aging potential ensures that it will continue to evolve beautifully over time.
Renowned critics rave about our wine, with a remarkable score of 93 points. According to James Suckling, it is “a polished wine with currants, chocolate, and hazelnut. Silky tannins and a flavorful finish make it truly unforgettable.”
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our winemaking team ensures the utmost quality. We carefully select grapes from the cooler areas of Napa Valley, specifically from the prestigious Stags Leap region, allowing our wines to showcase their authentic character.
Immerse yourself in the irresistible allure of our Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – a wine that combines freshness, depth, and elegance. Discover the unforgettable flavors and expert craftsmanship that make it a true testament to Napa Valley’s winemaking excellence.
Stags Leap Petite Sirah Napa Valley
Introducing our remarkable Stags Leap Napa Valley Petite Sirah, a wine that embodies elegance and complexity. Its dark, inky, and dense character captivates the senses, while its velvety texture and rich flavors create an unforgettable experience.
Immerse yourself in an aromatic symphony of bramble berry fruit, earthy undertones, and captivating floral tones. Notes of black pepper and cigar box spice harmoniously mingle with the fruit, while balanced oak integration adds a subtle touch.
Indulge in the luscious flavors of cassis, blackberry preserves, blueberry creme, cherry kirsch, vanilla spice, and dark plum that envelop the palate with an intense and satisfying mouthfeel. The wine’s silky viscosity and voluminous texture, wrapped in velvety mouth-coating tannins, leave a generous and lengthy finish.
This exceptional Petite Sirah is delightful to savor now, but also has the potential to age gracefully for years to come.
Awarded an exceptional score of 94 points and praised by James Suckling, this wine is indisputably a top choice within the Petite Sirah category. From its fine tannins to its enticing aromas of blackberry, chocolate, dried chili, ink pot, and oyster shell, it delivers a full-bodied and well-structured experience, culminating in a flavorful and lightly austere finish.
Crafted with time-honored techniques, our Petite Sirah showcases the unique characteristics of the fruit. The relatively short maceration period preserves its true essence. Aged in American oak barrels, the wine benefits from the oak’s spicy nuances, complementing the varietal’s natural flavors. The final blend, featuring small amounts of Syrah, Grenache, and other mixed Rhone varietals, adds complexity, elevating this wine to its exceptional status.
Carefully selected from our estate’s vineyards, including prestigious locations like Stags Leap District, Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville, Oak Knoll, and Coombsville, our Petite Sirah represents the deliberate diversity of our vineyard sites, enhancing its profile with a broad range of floral, spice, and fruit characteristics.
Discover the allure of our Stags Leap Napa Valley Petite Sirah, a wine that combines depth, complexity, and the unrivaled craftsmanship of the Napa Valley. Experience the exceptional flavors and artistry that make it truly remarkable.
Stags Leap The Investor Red Blend Napa Valley
Prepare to be enraptured by the extraordinary flavors and intricate layers of Stags Leap The Investor Napa Valley Red Blend. This captivating wine seamlessly combines power and elegance, offering enticing notes of dark blackberry, luscious black cherry, and wild plum. Delight in the alluring baking spice undertones of cinnamon and clove, and the captivating hints of black pepper, cedar, and delicate violet. With every sip, savor the rich nuances of chaparral brush, fresh thyme, aromatic lavender, and fragrant sage. The wine’s plush tannins and vibrant acidity create an opulent and satisfying mouthfeel.
Stags Leap The Investor is meticulously crafted from a harmonious blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, resulting in a wine with unmatched depth and complexity. Aged for 20 months in a combination of American oak (25% new) and French oak (35% new) barrels, the varietals develop and enhance their distinct characteristics. The result is a meticulously balanced symphony of flavors.
The Investor has garnered well-deserved accolades, including an impressive score of 94 from JamesSuckling.com. Praised as a “dense, layered red with opulence yet raciness,” Wine Advocate also recognizes its greatness, awarding it a score of 90. The wine is celebrated for its abundance of spicy black and blue fruits, its rounded tannins, and invigorating freshness that lingers on the palate.
Guided by the expertise of Christophe Paubert, the Winemaker and General Manager at Stags’ Leap Winery, every step of the winemaking process is executed with meticulous precision. From individual maceration and fermentation to the final assemblage, each varietal is meticulously cared for to achieve the utmost expression. The result is a well-balanced and artfully crafted wine that epitomizes the essence of Napa Valley winemaking.
Embrace the allure of Stags Leap The Investor Napa Valley Red Blend and embark on a sensory journey that celebrates the essence of its unique terroir. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply savoring quiet moments, this remarkable wine is the perfect companion for cherished moments with loved ones.
