Hirondelle Vineyard
Stags Leap District of Napa Valley
Stags Leap District is the smallest AVA within the Napa Valley. It’s located in the southeast portion of the valley roughly from just north of the City of Napa to the Yountville Crossroad on the extreme eastern flank. It includes some hillside sites but primarily the AVA covers flat or gently rolling territory. The climate here is appreciably cooler than further up valley in either Rutherford or St. Helena. The Hirondelle Vineyard itself is not tiny but the portion dedicated to Secret Door is a small three-acre block planted in 1996 to Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 4. It was recently converted to organic farming. Wines produced from the Stags Leap District can be more subtle and smooth focusing more on the aromas and textures rather than all power. It has been a favorite area of Mr. Patz and he is thrilled to be able to work with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from this classic part of the Napa Valley.