Stag's Leap Event

29 July, 2013

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their 1973 S.L.V. vintage Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage stunned the world as the winner above all other Cabernet based wines at the famous "Judgment of Paris" blind tasting in 1976. The celebration was paired with the ribbon cutting and plan unveiling of the new visitor's center & tasting room to be completed in 2014.

The event began with a mingle between the 60 invited guests under the Arcade complete with some Stag's Leap

wine and an assortment of delicious hors d'oeuvres. The mingle was followed by an introduction and welcome

from Ted Baseler, President & CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. After his welcome, Ted introduced the Co-Host

and Stag's Leap Partner Marchese Piero Antinori of Marchesi Antinori . The guests were able to see an architectural model, artist's rendering, and a few general plans on display under the arcade. Barcelona based Designer Javier Barba gave a short speech about his involvement in the project. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the group walked down to the construction site at the edge of the famous vineyards. A toast was made, and then it was time

to taste some wine.

Barcelona based Designer Javier Barba

Steve Spadarotto, General Manager Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, lead the special vertical wine tasting, which was comprised of S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon '83, '93, 07', 08', '09, FAY '10, and Cask 23 '10. The tasting was conducted inside the cave cellar tasting area. He was assisted by Renzo Cotarella, Chief Enologist, Marchesi Antinori, Marcus Notaro, Winemaker, Stag's Leap, and Kirk Grace, Vineyard Manager, Stag's Leap.

Renzo Cotarella, Chief Enologist, Marchesi Antinori

Renzo Cotarella and Marcus Notaro, Winemaker, Stag's Leap

Steve Spadarotto and Kirk Grace, Vineyard Manager, Stag's Leap.

A question from Darrell Corti

Darrell Corti & Marchese Piero Antinori

It was easy to gage that the vertical tasting was completely enjoyed and truly appreciated by everyone. An occasion

to sit and taste wine in a professional setting where all of the wines are very good to stunningly good is rare. This was one of those rare occasions. The storied history and deep passion of wine making held at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is clearly evident in their bottles, on their estate, and in their personnel. My personal thanks to the Stag's Leap Family for this wonderful opportunity to taste and share in this special event!

-Rick Mindermann