Stags' Leap Winery Stags' Leap Napa Valley Chardonnay 2024 750ml

Vibrant aromas of lemon pith, grapefruit, matchsticks and macadamia nuts. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with tightly wound acidity and a generous texture, giving flavors of red apples, quince and lime curd. A balance of power and energy with no malolactic fermentation. Drink or hold.

A classic Napa Valley chardonnay that’s everything you could ask for. Aromas of lemon confit, fresh sliced pears, wet slate, spices and pie crust. The palate is bright, with fine acidity cutting through a rounded and generous mouthfeel. Nicely constructed. Drink or hold.

White peach, flint, and primary character. White blossom. Medium body. Medium phenolic texture and energetic acidity. Light lemon bitterness. Steely. Serious and solid. Drink or hold.

Fresh pear and lemon zest aromas lead to a silky texture laced with Bartlett pears, white peaches and hint of lemon. A medium body and rather light mouth-feel keep the wine charming and refreshing. (Jim Gordon)

Shows juicy, bright apple, pear and tangerine flavors, with accents of lemon blossoms, ginger, lemon verbena and a whiff of honeysuckle on the finish. Drink now. 26,091 cases made. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

A touch of Viognier brings a sweet floral pop to the aromatics. This Chardonnay tastes of smashed apple and pear mixed with pert lemon and spread on butter toast. Full bodied and lengthy. (Elaine Chukan Brown)

Partially barrel fermented and matured, with the balance in stainless steel, the 2023 Chardonnay features scents of crushed stone, pear, melon and citrus. Sourced from Carneros and Oak Knoll, it's medium to full-bodied, silky and balanced. Maybe it could use a bit more flavor intensity and length, but it's a solid effort at a fair price for Napa. Includes 1% Viognier.

The 2023 Chardonnay is enjoyable, with ripe citrus, sappy flower, and minty nuances in its medium-bodied, nicely balanced, rounded style. This juicy, forward effort will drink nicely for 2-3 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)