Napa Valley

Beringer Vineyards: The Historic Benchmark of Napa Valley Beringer Vineyards is not just a winery; it is a living monument to the history of American viticulture. Established in 1876, it holds the title of the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Beringer remains a titan of quality, innovation, and timeless hospitality. A Legacy of "Firsts" in Napa Valley Founded by German brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer, the estate has been a pioneer from the very beginning. Beringer was instrumental in establishing Napa Valley as a world-class wine region through several historic milestones: The First Tours: In 1934, Beringer became the first California winery to offer public tours and tastings, effectively sparking the wine tourism industry that defines Napa today. Prohibition Survivors: Remarkably, Beringer never missed a single vintage. During Prohibition, the winery stayed open by producing sacramental wine for religious services. Double #1 Awards: It remains the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator (1986 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 1994 Private Reserve Chardonnay). Iconic Architecture: The Rhine House The center of the estate is the stunning Rhine House, a 17-room Victorian mansion built in 1884. Modeled after the Beringer family’s ancestral home in Germany, it features exquisite stained glass and intricate woodwork. Today, it serves as the ultimate tasting setting, where history and fine wine meet in the heart of St. Helena. Terroir Mastery: From St. Helena to Knights Valley Beringer’s excellence is rooted in its unparalleled collection of vineyards across Napa and Sonoma. Knights Valley Pioneers: Beringer was one of the first to recognize the potential of Sonoma’s Knights Valley in the 1960s, leading the effort to have it officially recognized as its own AVA in 1983. The Private Reserve Program: Launched in 1977, the Private Reserve program represents the pinnacle of Beringer’s winemaking. These wines are crafted to showcase the best possible expression of a single variety from the finest vineyard lots in a given vintage. Why Beringer Vineyards is a Must for GrapeYear For collectors on GrapeYear, Beringer is the ultimate example of "Old World" heritage meeting "New World" ambition. Longevity: Their Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons are legendary for their ability to age gracefully for 20 to 30 years or more. Sustainability: With 150 years of farming experience, the winery is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, ensuring their historic vineyards thrive for another century. Diversity: From the accessible Founders' Estate to the ultra-premium Single Vineyard bottlings, Beringer offers a window into the diverse terroirs of Northern California. The Iconic Portfolio Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: A powerful, structured masterpiece that consistently receives top scores for its intensity and elegance. Private Reserve Chardonnay: A rich, full-bodied white that revolutionized the way California Chardonnay was perceived globally. Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its signature "forest floor" and herbal notes, offering a distinct alternative to the valley floor reds of Napa. Luminus Chardonnay: A vibrant, mineral-driven expression of the cool-climate Oak Knoll District.

Caymus Vineyards: The Benchmark of Napa Valley Cabernet Caymus Vineyards is a name that resonates with wine lovers worldwide as the ultimate expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded in 1972 by Chuck Wagner and his parents, Lorna and Charlie, the winery has spent over 50 years perfecting a style that is as celebrated for its opulence as it is for its remarkable consistency. A Family Legacy of Farmers The Wagner family’s roots in Napa Valley date back to the 1850s, but it was in 1972 that they formalized their winemaking tradition. Today, Caymus remains entirely family-run, with Chuck Wagner working alongside his children, Charlie and Jenny. Their philosophy is simple: they are farmers at heart, believing that great wine is made in the vineyard through meticulous attention to soil, climate, and vine health. The "Caymus Style": Richness and Approachability Caymus is famous for its signature winemaking style, often referred to as the "Caymus Style." Unlike traditional Cabernets that may require years of cellar aging to soften, Caymus wines are crafted to be approachable and luxurious from the day they are released. Flavor Profile: Known for being dark in color, with rich fruit, velvety tannins, and layered aromas of cocoa, cassis, and ripe berries. Vineyard Sourcing: Grapes are farmed across a range of Napa’s premier sub-appellations—from the valley floor (providing lushness) to the hillsides (providing backbone and structure). The Legend of "Special Selection" The crown jewel of the winery is the Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. A Global First: Special Selection is the only wine in the world to be named Wine Spectator’s "Wine of the Year" twice (for the 1984 and 1990 vintages). Meticulous Craftsmanship: This wine is a blend of the very best barrels from the vintage, chosen for their intense concentration, supple flavors, and extraordinary longevity. It remains a global reference point for quality. Expansion and Innovation: Beyond the Valley While Cabernet is their flagship, the Wagners' passion for discovery has led to exciting expansions under the Wagner Family of Wine umbrella: Caymus-Suisun: Located in the nearby Suisun Valley, this estate produces the Grand Durif (Petite Sirah) and The Walking Fool red blend. Bonanza: A California Cabernet Sauvignon that celebrates the "simple pleasure" of a great glass of wine sourced from across the state's diverse vineyard lands. Emmolo: Managed by Jenny Wagner, this label focuses on creating a singular style of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Why Caymus Vineyards is a Must for GrapeYear For collectors and enthusiasts on GrapeYear, Caymus represents a gold standard of prestige and reliability. Whether it is the iconic Napa Valley bottling or the legendary Special Selection, Caymus offers a wine experience that is both hedonistic and refined, making it a cornerstone of any serious wine collection.

Opus One Winery: En tidløs fusjon av tradisjon og innovasjon Opus One Winery er resultatet av en av de mest ambisiøse og ikoniske partnerskapene i vinens historie. Ved å forene visjonene til to av det 20. århundrets største vinlegender – Baron Philippe de Rothschild fra Château Mouton Rothschild og Robert Mondavi – ble Opus One skapt for å være den ultimate broen mellom den gamle verdens eleganse og den nye verdens kraft. En visjonær opprinnelse Samarbeidet startet i 1978 med et enkelt, men dristig mål: å skape én enkelt, kompromissløs rødvin som kunne stå skulder ved skulder med de beste vinene fra Bordeaux, men med hjertet og sjelen til Napa Valley. Navnet "Opus One" ble valgt av Baron Philippe fordi det antydet et mesterverk – et musikalsk uttrykk for en komponists første store verk. Terroiret i Oakville: Det gylne midtpunktet Vingården ligger i hjertet av Oakville, et av de mest prestisjefylte underområdene i Napa Valley. Jordsmonn og klima: Vinmarkene ligger på det som kalles "Oakville Bench", hvor den grusholdige jorden gir perfekt drenering og tvinger vinstokkene til å grave dypt. Dette resulterer i druer med ekstrem konsentrasjon og en unik mineralitet. Presisjon i marken: Opus One praktiserer det de kaller "presisjonslandbruk", hvor hver minste detalj i vinmarken overvåkes for å sikre at druene når den nøyaktige modningen som kreves for den signaturstilen huset er kjent for. Arkitektonisk eleganse og bærekraft Selve vineriet, som stod ferdig i 1991, er et arkitektonisk vidunder som er delvis bygget inn i jorden for å gli naturlig inn i landskapet. Designet er ikke bare estetisk, men også funksjonelt; det sikrer naturlig temperaturkontroll og benytter tyngdekraften i vinproduksjonen for å behandle druene så skånsomt som mulig. Hvorfor Opus One er et must for GrapeYear For samlere og entusiaster på GrapeYear, representerer Opus One toppen av amerikansk luksusvin. Eleganse og balanse: Mens mange Napa-viner er kjent for sin massive kraft, skiller Opus One seg ut med sin balanse, silkeaktige tanniner og en aromatisk kompleksitet som minner om de beste slottene i Médoc. Lagringspotensial: Dette er viner bygget for evigheten. En moden årgang av Opus One utvikler lag av sedertre, tobakk og tørket frukt som få andre viner fra California kan matche. Porteføljen: Presisjon i hver dråpe Opus One (Grand Vin): Slottets flaggskip. En Bordeaux-blanding (dominert av Cabernet Sauvignon) som kombinerer aromaer av mørke bær, fioler og krydder med en utrolig struktur. Overture: En sjelden og ettertraktet andrevin som lages i svært begrensede mengder. Den består av flere årganger (non-vintage) og gir en mykere, men likevel sofistikert introduksjon til husets stil.

Robert Mondavi Winery: The Visionary Soul of Napa Valley Robert Mondavi Winery is more than a vineyard; it is the birthplace of modern American fine wine. Founded in 1966 with the revolutionary goal of creating Napa Valley wines that could rival the finest European estates, it remains the ultimate symbol of innovation, culture, and world-class quality. The Legacy of the "Godfather of Napa Valley" In 1966, Robert Mondavi achieved something many thought impossible: he opened the first major winery in Napa Valley since the end of Prohibition. His tireless promotion of the region and his "Good Life" philosophy—blending wine, food, and the arts—transformed Napa from a quiet farming community into a global destination. Today, his spirit continues to inspire every bottle, reflecting a perfect balance between Californian freedom and European refinement. To Kalon Vineyard: The Crown Jewel of Oakville The heart of Robert Mondavi Winery is the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. Greek for "The Place of Highest Beauty," To Kalon is widely considered the "First Growth" or "Grand Cru" vineyard of North America. The Terroir: Located on the prime benchland of the Oakville District, its well-drained soils and optimal sun exposure produce grapes with unparalleled concentration and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon Mastery: This vineyard is the primary source for the winery's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a wine known for its svelte power, muscular tannins, and staggering aging potential. Innovation in the Cellar: The Birth of Fumé Blanc Robert Mondavi was a pioneer who refused to follow the status quo. One of his most enduring legacies is Fumé Blanc. By aging Sauvignon Blanc in French oak barrels—a technique inspired by the Loire Valley—he elevated the variety from a simple white to a zesty, textured, and complex wine that became a Napa Valley benchmark. Why Robert Mondavi Winery is a Must for GrapeYear For collectors and enthusiasts on GrapeYear, Robert Mondavi Winery represents the intersection of history and modern prestige. Arch & Tower: While the historic estate undergoes a major renovation to ensure its future for generations to come, the winery has opened Arch & Tower in downtown Napa. This venue offers a fresh, contemporary take on the Mondavi hospitality experience, pairing limited-production wines with refined culinary creations. Consistent Excellence: Whether it’s the iconic Reserve labels or the approachable Napa Valley series, the winery’s commitment to precision farming and vineyard stewardship ensures a level of quality that has earned them a spot on the "World's 50 Best Vineyards" list for seven consecutive years. The Iconic Portfolio To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: The flagship red—a dense, powerful, and svelte masterpiece with notes of black fruit, violet, and graphite. Fumé Blanc: The original oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc, offering a vivacious and zesty profile with sophisticated mineral undertones. The Estates Collection: Sourced from Napa’s most prestigious sub-appellations, including Oakville, Stags Leap District, and Carneros.

Silver Oak Cellars: The Quintessential American Cabernet Silver Oak Cellars is a titan of California winemaking, defined by a singular, unwavering focus: to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. Founded in 1972 with the bold motto "Life is a Cabernet," Silver Oak has spent over 50 years perfecting a style that is as much a cultural icon as it is a world-class wine. A Visionary Focus: "Life is a Cabernet" When Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer founded Silver Oak, they made a decision that was radical for the time: they would only produce one varietal. While most wineries diversified their portfolios, Silver Oak dedicated every resource to Cabernet Sauvignon. This obsession with one grape allowed them to master its nuances across California’s premier terroirs, creating a wine that is legendary for its consistency, lushness, and food-friendly elegance. The Art of American Oak: The "Why" One of the most defining characteristics of Silver Oak—and the reason it stands apart from the Bordeaux-influenced style of its neighbors—is its exclusive use of American oak. Why American Oak? While many top wineries use French oak for subtle spice, Silver Oak champions American oak for the unique creaminess, vanilla, and coconut notes it imparts. This choice creates a "velvety" texture and a softer tannin profile, making the wine incredibly drinkable upon release while still possessing the structure to age for decades. The Cooperage: In a move showing their total commitment to quality, Silver Oak became the first North American winery to own its own cooperage (The Silver Oak Cooperage in Missouri). This allows them full control over the sourcing, seasoning, and toasting of every barrel. Two Iconic Terroirs: Napa vs. Alexander Valley Silver Oak produces two distinct flagship wines, each reflecting a specific California soul: Alexander Valley: Sourced from the volcanic soils of Sonoma, this wine is known for its silky tannins and vibrant fruit. It is often described as the more "elegant" and herbal expression of Silver Oak. Napa Valley: Sourced from the prestigious sub-appellations of Napa, including Oakville and Atlas Peak. This is the bolder, more structured brother, aged entirely in new American oak to produce a wine of immense power and deep black fruit concentration. A Leader in Sustainability: The Greenest Wineries in the World Silver Oak is not just a leader in flavor, but a global pioneer in environmental stewardship. LEED Platinum: Their wineries in both Oakville and Alexander Valley are LEED Platinum Certified—the highest level of sustainable building achievement. The Living Building Challenge: Their Alexander Valley winery became the first winery in the world to be certified under the "Living Building Challenge," a rigorous standard that requires a building to be net-zero energy and water, essentially giving back more to the earth than it takes. Why Silver Oak is a Must for Every Collector For the GrapeYear community, Silver Oak represents a "Blue Chip" investment and a staple of the American luxury lifestyle. Unmatched Consistency: Regardless of the vintage, Silver Oak drinkers know exactly what to expect: a rich, polished, and hedonistic Cabernet. Cellar Service: Silver Oak is famous for holding their wines longer than most before release, ensuring that when you open a bottle, it is already entering its "prime" drinking window. The Iconic Portfolio Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: The powerhouse. A blend that combines the best of Napa’s valley floor and hillsides. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: The classic. Celebrated for its chocolate, mint, and dark berry notes. Library Vintages: Silver Oak is one of the few wineries that maintains an extensive library of back-vintages, allowing collectors to experience the evolution of their Cabernet over 20+ years.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: The Winery That Changed the World Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a true icon of American winemaking. It gained global immortality in 1976 when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon stunned the world by defeating the top French Bordeaux in the famous "Judgment of Paris" tasting. This historic victory proved that Napa Valley could produce world-class wines, forever changing the global wine landscape. A Foundation of Visionary Terroir Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, the estate is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, an area renowned for its unique volcanic soils and the cooling influences of the San Pablo Bay. Winiarski’s vision was to create a wine that expressed "an iron fist in a velvet glove"—a perfect balance of structural power and refined elegance. The Estate Vineyards: FAY and S.L.V. The soul of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars lies in its two historic estate vineyards, each offering a distinct personality: FAY Vineyard: Originally planted by Nathan Fay in 1961, this was the first vineyard in the district to be planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for producing wines with lush fruit, silken tannins, and beautiful floral aromatics. S.L.V. (Stag’s Leap Vineyard): The site of the original 1970 plantings, this vineyard’s volcanic soils yield wines with great structure, mineral depth, and dark fruit complexity. It was an S.L.V. bottle that won the 1976 Paris tasting. Why Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a Must for GrapeYear For the GrapeYear community, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars represents the ultimate intersection of history and modern prestige. Collector Status: Their Estate Cabs are "Blue Chip" wines, essential for any serious cellar due to their incredible aging potential and historical significance. The "CASK 23" Legend: This flagship wine is a marriage of the finest lots from both FAY and S.L.V. vineyards. It is produced only in exceptional years and represents the absolute pinnacle of Napa Valley craftsmanship. Stewardship: The winery continues to lead through sustainable farming and precision winemaking, ensuring that the legendary terroir of the Stags Leap District is preserved for future generations. The Iconic Portfolio: Elegance and Power CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon: The legendary flagship. A rare blend that combines the perfume and grace of FAY with the power and structure of S.L.V. S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: A wine defined by its "earthy" core, fire-toasted oak notes, and incredible longevity. FAY Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Often described as the most "feminine" of the estate wines, celebrated for its vibrant berry fruit and velvety texture. Artemis: Named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, this Napa Valley Cabernet is a favorite among enthusiasts for its approachability, offering a wonderful introduction to the house style.