2021 STATUS QUO
2021 STATUS QUO
The Phipps Family Cellars 2021 STATUS QUO is a project that began in the cellar at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, where they only produce & sell Estate Wines from their own Napa Valley Estate Vineyards. This was a special project to see what Alexander Valley could bring to a Napa blend.
After first crafting the wine, we created a blend that highlights the beautiful structure of the Alexander Valley lot with the power & depth of the Stag’s Leap Cabernet to create a compelling, new STATUS QUO.
The 2021 STATUS QUO offers both style and structure, with aromas of raspberry, mountain rose herbs, cracked white pepper & mocha, then plush, layered flavors of red currant, wild berry, dark cherry, graham cracker, brown sugar spice & sage. It displays refreshing acidity & structure and ripe, yet well-integrated tannins that linger long into the finish.
Think of a fresh out-of-the-oven Cherry-Rhubarb Pie with all of its relevant baking spices, fruit and homemade crust aromas.
The 2021 STATUS QUO blend consists of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon from both the Alexander Valley in Sonoma and the Stag’s Leap District in Napa Valley. It was topped & blended with 2% each of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, & Petit Verdot.
The popular Red Wine Blend, STATUS QUO, was added to the Phipps line-up in 2007 and is only produced in very special Vintage years. It is our Homage to André Tchelistcheff and his Special Burgundy bottlings that he made at Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) and only in special Vintage years. Andrew Phipps, in his first year in the BV Cellar, worked under André, on experimental lots, during his last year consulting at BV.
The Alexander Valley AVA is a Mediterranean climate with wet, cool winters and arid summers that are tempered by the nearby Pacific Ocean influence. The rocky volcanic soils of the valley are well-drained and characterized by a diverse mineral composition which helps Bordeaux grape tannin profiles thrive. The results are fruit that achieve a balanced ripeness profile maximizing vibrancy and complexity of flavors.
Comprised of only 2,700 acres, with approximately 1,200 planted, the Stags Leap District is known worldwide for its Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, the District is comprised of over 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and upwards of 90% with red Bordeaux blending varietals included. Benefiting from cool Pacific breezes, long, dry summer days and unique volcanic soils with overlays of bale loam, the Stags Leap District produces wines critically acclaimed for their power and grace, lush fruit and soft tannins with complex layers of flavor.
2021 STATUS QUO Vinification Notes
100% 2021 Vintage
96% Cabernet Sauvignon
2% each Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot
86% Alexander Valley | 14% Stag’s Leap District
Aged 18 months in 100% French Oak | 40% New & 60% Once-Used Barrels
Bottled April 10, 2023
700 Cases Produced