We attended the “Crown Jewel of Napa - Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars” Wine Dinner at Italian Village, Chicago. We were joined by fellow Pour Boys, Lyle and Terry, and Dan and Linda. This dinner celebrates the classic legacy Italian wine producer Antinori, and their acquisition of legendary American Napa Valley producer, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
This also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the historic “Judgement of Paris”, where, on America’s two hundredth anniversary, a blind tasting was held between upstart American Napa Valley wines tasted aside classic French Ultra-premium First Growth wines. To the shock and dismay of all, the American wines were selected above their French counterparts, in both the white Chardonnay, from Chateau Montelena, and the red, Cabernet Sauvignon, from Stag’s Leap Winery.
The evening was hosted by Italian Village Wine Director, Jared Gelband, and featured the cuisine of Chef David Rodriguez.
Readers of these pages know Chicago’s Italian Village is Chicago’s longest continuously family owned and operated Italian Restaurant, since 1928, in the same location in the center of Chicago’s loop.
We’ve attended many memorable and notable Italian Village special events including wine producer dinners, corporate functions and special family dinners, hosted by our friend and Wine Director, Jared, some of which have been featured in these pages in earlier blogposts:
Sassicaia Owner Dinner and Vivere Vertical Tasting
The wine was curated by special guests Stephen Cracchiolo with Stags Leap Wine Cellars and Patricia Lello with Antinori.
As is the practice, the dinner featured five courses, each paired with a special wine. As I have written often in these pages, an optimal food and wine pairing amplifies and ameliorates the character and profile and thus the enjoyment of both the food and the wine.
The Courses and their Wine Pairings.
Carpaccio - Scallop, Tuna, Salmon Neonata, Salsa Verde
Stag’s Leap “Aveta” Sauvignon Blanc 2023
This is a blend of 68% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Sauvignon Musque, 4% Sémillon, and 1% Muscat Canelli.It was aged in a 50-50 mix of stainless steel and older barrels,Winemaker Notes - Fragrant and inviting, this Sauvignon Blanc offers aromas of mango, gooseberries, white peach, and pineapple, with a touch of orange blossoms and straw. This wine is bright with a refreshing mouthfeel, mineral and citrus notes, and a touch of grapefruit and grass on the vibrant finish.This was rated 92 points by James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, 91 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points by Vinous and 89 by Wine Spectator
Dungeness Crab Arancini with Sturgeon Caviar, Fine Herbs, Calabrian Buffalo, Old Bay
Stag’s Leap “Karia” Chardonnay 2024
Winemaker’s Notes - “This Chardonnay presents a complex bouquet with enticing aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms. The palate is greeted with a bright and vibrant entry, showcasing a harmonious blend of fruity flavors and a touch of hazelnut. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak add depth and richness, while the finish is enduringly savory, leaving a lasting impression with its lingering citrus notes. This wine's well-integrated acidity and balanced structure make it refreshing and satisfying.’
This release is a blend of 98% Chardonnay and 2% Muscat CanelliIt was rated 93 points and Editors' Choice by Wine Enthusiast, 92 points by James Suckling and Vinous.
Waygu and Lobster Lasagna with Pest0, Romesco, Bechamel and Parmesan
Stag’s Leap Artemas Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Approximately three-fourths of the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis comes from Atlas Peak, where the Antinoris have a substantial vineyard. This standard label is intended to be enjoyed early in youth, soon after release.This release is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Petit Verdot, aged for 15 months in 55% new French oak and 45% older French oak barrels.Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit VerdotWinemaker Notes - The nose reveals rich aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, ripe figs, raspberries, and cherry compote, with a subtle hint of oak. On the palate, a silky mouthfeel leads into a long, savory finish, showcasing milk chocolate, dark cherry, and boysenberry notes.This release was rated 94 points by Decanter, 92 points by James Suckling, 91 by Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous, and 90 pints by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
Grilled Picanha with Wild Mushroom, Italian Rapini, Bordelaise and Fine Herb Crumble
Stag’s Leap “Fay Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc (varies slightly per estate selection).
Aging: 20 months in 100% new French oak.
Winemaker Notes - “This wine presents a captivating and complex aromatic profile, beginning with vibrant aromas of boysenberry, black and Amarena cherries, and raspberries. The fig marmalade adds a layer of richness and sweetness, balancing the bright fruit with its deeper, more savory notes. Floral spices elevate the nose, while the subtle touch of cigar box hints at a gentle oak influence, contributing a refined, earthy complexity. On the palate, the wine delivers a silky, smooth mouthfeel that feels both luxurious and inviting. The tannins are polished and persistent, providing structure without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors, leaving you with a satisfying and content feeling. The finish lingers with dark fruit notes, especially black cherry, creating a harmonious conclusion.”
This release was rated 95 points by James Suckling, 93 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and 92 by Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous.
Stag’s Leap “SLV” Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
S.L.V., also known as Stag’s Leap Vineyards, is the winery’s first vineyard. This vineyard achieved international fame after the 1973 vintage stunned the wine world when it bested some of France’s greatest wines in a 1976 blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris”. Today, this vineyard continues to produce wines with layers of complexity, spicy intensity and excellent structure.
Winery Notes: "For this wine the primary blocks were 2A, 3A, 1A, 3B and S.L.V. Block 4 – the “Grande Dame” of the vineyard – which was planted in 1972. These vines along with blocks on the eastern side of S.L.V., characterized by their fire-borne volcanic soils, give this wine its structure and sense of minerality along with concentrated dark fruit flavors and ripe, elegant tannins."
Winemaker Notes - “The 2022 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon entices the senses with its captivating aromas of dark fruits, including blackcurrants and ripe plums, beautifully intertwined with delicate notes of violets, graphite, and rich dark chocolate, all rounded o ff by the warmth of black tea. Flavors showcase a richness and texture that impresses from the outset. The tannins reveal a minerality that adds depth and character, while the youthful mouthfeel elevates the experience. As the wine lingers on the palate, complex layers of espresso, mocha, and dark fruit emerge, crafting a finish that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.”This release was rated 96 points by James Suckling, 95 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 by Jeb Dunnuck and 92 by Vinous.Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak.
Cheese and Dark Chocolate with Saba, Thyme, Fig and Fleur de Sel paired with
Marchesi Antinori Vin Santo Chianti Classico 2020
As always, Italian Village crafted a fantastic dinner that was enhanced greatly by the artful and ideal pairing with spectacular wines. These dinners are always a special treat for a wonderful food and wine experience.
https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/
https://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/
