The 2018 Krupp Brothers Chardonnay Stagecoach Ranch is a distinguished white wine hailing from the esteemed Napa Valley in California. This varietal, composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes, showcases the region's aptitude for producing high-quality white wines. With an alcohol content of 15.5%, the wine presents itself with a full-bodied profile that is both rich and balanced.
Two prominent reviewers have given high praise to this vintage. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 94 points, describing the wine as having "expressive white peach, lemon curd and pink grapefruit notes with touches of fresh ginger, marzipan and brioche." The review also highlights the wine’s "medium to full-bodied" nature, noting its "impressively restrained citrus and stone fruit notes" that are enhanced by "savory nut and bread-inspired nuances," culminating in a long finish with mineral undertones (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 11/27/2019).
Similarly, Jeb Dunnuck also rated this wine 94 points, commending its "classic Napa Valley Chardonnay nose of buttered stone fruits, hazelnuts, golden cream, and toasted bread." He praises the wine for its "rich and medium to full-bodied" character, emphasizing its "wonderfully elegant, seamless texture" and "great finish." Dunnuck suggests that this Chardonnay will appeal to those who prefer a richer yet balanced style and believes that it should age well for 3-4 years, if not longer (Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, 1/27/2021).
The wine’s origin, the Stagecoach Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, is known for its high elevation and rocky soils, which contribute to the wine's complexity and depth. The closure is traditional cork, which aligns with the wine's classic and refined nature.
In summary, the 2018 Krupp Brothers Chardonnay Stagecoach Ranch is a noteworthy Napa Valley Chardonnay that has received high accolades for its elegant balance of rich flavors and nuanced finish. With strong reviews from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, this wine stands out as a prime example of the quality that Napa Valley Chardonnay can achieve.