Is there a difference between Stag's Leap wine and Stags Leap wine and, if, so, what is it?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
These names do have varied meanings and refer to both individual wineries and a wine district. Punctuation and the exact wording also play an important part - and make this rather confusing. First, Stags Leap District is an American Viticultural Area (AVA)located within the Napa Valley. This area has established a reputation for distinctive wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, the best of which are admired for their elegance and complexity. Then there are two entirely different wineries under separate ownership which use similar versions of the name: Stags' Leap Winery and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. The latter is particularly famous for their "S.L.V." and "Cask 23" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The wineries source within the AVA and elsewhere and have unique ranges of wines. Last, other wineries have individual bottlings from this area, such as Clos du Val's Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon. The key point, I think, is that this Viticultural Area is one of California's very best addresses for Cabernet Sauvignon.
