Steltzner Vineyards

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon or Stags Leap District wines, then you won't want to miss Steltzner Vineyards. An employee at another winery recommended that we try Steltzner. While we were there, a portable bottling service was present putting wine into bottles and the employee at Steltzner, who was very helpful,  explained the process to us as we watched.  Our tasting started with a Steltzner 2010 Chardonnay from Oak Knoll.  It was $24, had a pleasant touch of malolactic conversion and oak and was crisp and very drinkable.  Even better was the $34 Steltzner 2006 Sangiovese from Stags Leap.  I got some cherry with a very pleasant touch of clove on the palate.  The Steltzner 2007 Merlot from Stags Leap was pleasantly bright, with soft tannins and some vanilla.  It is a good buy at only $34.  The Steltzner 2006 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon was $40 and had a cherry palate, with good tannins and some floral notes.  Our favorite, though, was the Steltzner 2005 Estate RMS Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at $78.  This is one to look at in the glass in the sunlight because it has a deep, dark red color that is delightful to look at. It was rather fruit forward with a velvety smooth palate, soft tannins, a note of smokiness and a long finish.  Although primarily noted for its Merlot and Cabs, we found the Sangiovese well worthwhile and have heard good things about the Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Pinotage.

Addendum: As of February 2012 Stelzner sold their winery to Plumpjack and no longer has a tasting room but does sell wines over the Internet.


Steltzner Vineyard

Steltzner Vineyards Office Address
6795 Washington Street, Ste 202
Yountville, CA  94599

Visited 9/28/2011