Stags' Leap Napa Valley Proprietary Blend "The Investor" 2020

This wine needs little introduction - Stags’ Leap The Investor is a 97-point Bordeaux-styled blend from Napa Valley, that we have at nearly 50% off. That just doesn’t happen in Napa Valley anymore - so get it while you can. Here’s the review:

“97 points. Red blends of this type rarely shine as brightly. This ultra concentrated and smooth-textured blend including Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot is inky dark in color, luxurious, aromatic of blueberries, black currants and mint followed by oak spices and dark chocolate on the palate. Creamy in texture, it is laden in massive but melted tannins.” - Wine Enthusiast

Now to back up just a bit and add a little of our own color to the story - we think there are just a couple more things going on here that make this wine even more interesting. First, Stags’ Leap has always been wine-cognoscenti famous for their Petite Sirah. For those in the know, when Petite Sirah is done well, its massive tannic character gets super smooth and even creamy on the palate. So in addition to a huge amount of fruit, you get it in the most supple, sexy fashion. Stags’ Leap’s always does this, and you can feel that in this wine immediately. 

Second, and this is pure speculation. Stags’ Leap recently hired a new winemaker. He’s of French background, although he’s made wine in Napa for over two decades. My guess is that he wanted to leave his mark, and leave it in a particularly French/Napa way - a Bordeaux-style blend that’s ultra classy yet also truly drives home luscious Napa fruit character. And this is it. As he notes:

“Truly exemplary of the winery’s ability to combine power and grace, the 2020 Investor is layered, nuanced, and inviting, with alluring notes of juicy black cherry, blackcurrant, crushed blueberry, and dark plum, alongside notes of allspice, caramel, and clove. The fruit character is supported by black pepper spice, anise seed, and floral potpourri, interwoven with hints of fresh thyme, wild lavender, and sage. The well-structured mouthfeel is plush and harmonious with velvety-rich tannins that coat the palate, Finishing with a core of fresh acidity and brightness.”

And we quite agree. 97-point Napa Valley Proprietary Blend for almost half off - get it only at Waterford.

“97 points. Red blends of this type rarely shine as brightly. This ultra concentrated and smooth-textured blend including Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot is inky dark in color, luxurious, aromatic of blueberries, black currants and mint followed by oak spices and dark chocolate on the palate. Creamy in texture, it is laden in massive but melted tannins.” - Wine Enthusiast

Now to back up just a bit and add a little of our own color to the story - we think there are just a couple more things going on here that make this wine even more interesting. First, Stags’ Leap has always been wine-cognoscenti famous for their Petite Sirah. For those in the know, when Petite Sirah is done well, its massive tannic character gets super smooth and even creamy on the palate. So in addition to a huge amount of fruit, you get it in the most supple, sexy fashion. Stags’ Leap’s always does this, and you can feel that in this wine immediately. 

Second, and this is pure speculation. Stags’ Leap recently hired a new winemaker. He’s of French background, although he’s made wine in Napa for over two decades. My guess is that he wanted to leave his mark, and leave it in a particularly French/Napa way - a Bordeaux-style blend that’s ultra classy yet also truly drives home luscious Napa fruit character. And this is it. As he notes:

“Truly exemplary of the winery’s ability to combine power and grace, the 2020 Investor is layered, nuanced, and inviting, with alluring notes of juicy black cherry, blackcurrant, crushed blueberry, and dark plum, alongside notes of allspice, caramel, and clove. The fruit character is supported by black pepper spice, anise seed, and floral potpourri, interwoven with hints of fresh thyme, wild lavender, and sage. The well-structured mouthfeel is plush and harmonious with velvety-rich tannins that coat the palate, Finishing with a core of fresh acidity and brightness.”

And we quite agree. 97-point Napa Valley Proprietary Blend for almost half off - get it only at Waterford.