🏷️ Lot Overview
Region: Napa Carneros
Vintage: 2023
Blend: 100% Estate Chardonnay
ChatGPT Original Source Guess: Odette Estate (Stags Leap Wine Cellars/PlumpJack family)
Wine Berserkers Guess: Cliff Lede Chardonnay Napa Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Oak Aging: ~80% New French Oak, barrel-fermented, regular bâtonnage
Cam Price: $149/case ($12.42/bottle)
Retail Estimate: $45–$60
Drink Window: Late 2025–2029+
🍷 Cameron’s Release Notes
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Lot 9 is sourced from a renowned Stags Leap District producer and is their inaugural 2023 Napa Carneros single-vineyard estate Chardonnay. A relatively new producer in Napa Valley (just over 20 years old), they’ve earned an outstanding reputation for their no-expense-spared, single-vineyard Cabernets that run the gamut from Stags Leap, Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, etc.—and you can be certain no expense was spared in the production of this wine either.
With a $50+ price tag and barrel-fermented in ~80% new French oak with regular bâtonnage, this Burgundian beauty weighs in at 13.5% alc., landing stylistically right between Lot 4 (Sonoma Coast) and Lot 11 (Russian River) from the same vintage.
So, while Lot 9 hasn’t commanded the price heights of Lot 4, Cam calls it his favorite of the bunch—right up the middle stylistically, with incredible verve and that quintessential, mouthwateringly gorgeous Burgundian palate explosion of marzipan and citrus.
OMG bouquet blasting with a complex array of orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, lime leaf, white flowers and beeswax. The wine came out of barrel last summer and was tucked in tank until bottling at the end of May. Get it while you can!
Tasting Notes
Lot 9 is sourced from a renowned Stags Leap District producer and is their inaugural 2023 Napa Carneros single-vineyard estate Chardonnay. While known for Cabernet, this producer spared no expense in making their debut Chardonnay just as compelling.
Barrel-fermented in 80% new French oak with regular bâtonnage, this 13.5% alc wine sits squarely between the elegance of Lot 4 and the richness of Lot 11. Stylistically, it’s pure Burgundian-Napa hybrid: nervy, round, vibrant, and luxurious.
In the glass:
Bouquet blasts out of the gate with orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, lime leaf, white flowers, and beeswax. With air, tropical mango and peach emerge, plus subtle toasted caramel and marzipan.
Round and smooth on entry, but underpinned by chalky acidity. Flavors of orangesicle, kefir lime, mango, and wet stone carry into a long, pure, and resplendent finish.
100% Estate Chardonnay
100% Napa Carneros
~80% new French oak
13.5% alc.
~250 cases produced
Bottled end of May 2025
🧠ChatGPT says:
🔍 Source Guess: Likely Odette Estate (PlumpJack Group)
🎯 Rationale:
Producer Profile:
Cam mentions a “renowned Stags Leap producer” that’s relatively young (20+ years), known for high-end single-vineyard Cabernet from multiple AVAs, and now releasing their first-ever Napa Carneros estate Chardonnay. This points strongly to Odette Estate, part of the PlumpJack family (with Cade and PlumpJack itself), which fits all criteria.
AVA and Vineyard Ownership:
Odette’s estate vineyards in Stags Leap are certified organic, and the PlumpJack team has been expanding Chardonnay production from nearby Napa Carneros fruit in recent vintages. They have access to exceptional Carneros sites and the resources to develop estate-level whites with no shortcuts.
Winemaking Style:
80% new French oak + regular bâtonnage + $50+ retail pricing is 100% in line with how Odette or PlumpJack approach small-lot whites. They have the house style for plush yet nervy Chardonnays with high-quality oak integration and Burgundian touches.
Limited Production:
Cam says this is the “inaugural” estate Chardonnay—suggesting small scale and trial bottling. ~250 cases fits the size of a producer exploring a premium Chardonnay tier for the first time.
Alternate Possibilities:
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: Very well-known and historic, but not “new” or 20 years old. Likely not them.
Cliff Lede: Another possibility—they own vineyard land across AVAs and have recently experimented with whites, but not known for Carneros Chardonnay.
Baldacci or Chimney Rock: Plausible, but less likely given the tone around “first estate Chardonnay” and Cab dominance across multiple AVAs.
âś… Conclusion:
The description, pedigree, style, and timing all align most closely with Odette Estate—a top-tier Stags Leap producer branching out into Carneros Chardonnay with luxury intent. If not them, it’s someone in their league and stylistic orbit.
⏳ Drink Window
- Early enjoyment: Fall 2025, once bottle shock fades.
- Peak: 2026–2028, when oak and fruit fully harmonize.
- Hold: Through 2029+, with marzipan, citrus, and stone-driven notes developing.
⏳ Drink window: Late 2025–2029+ (peak 2026–2028)
🧑‍🤝‍🧑🍷 Wine Berserkers Guess: Cliff Lede Chardonnay Napa Valley