Ad Vivum is a boutique Napa project from Chris Phelps. Vinfolio’s Sophie Thorpe spoke to him about how twists of fate saw him go from aspiring doctor to star winemaker at the likes of Dominus, Caymus – and now his own label Chris Phelps never really meant to start his own winery. But fate had…
Top Napa estate Schrader Cellars has championed the use of individual clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, often in the same vineyard, in its quest for quality. Tasting through the range with the property’s own Master Sommelier Jason Smith, we explore how these pioneering wines have won the hearts of oenophiles around the world Schrader Cellars is one…
The 2019 vintage in Napa produced a brace of fantastic wines that are classical expressions of California’s heartland. We talk to top producers about the year and the style of wines it produced Following on from the cooler, elegant 2018 vintage, 2019 is another excellent year for Napa – together forming an impressive duo that will…
No one is likely to forget the 2020 vintage – least of all Californians who saw their state swept by wildfires. We caught up with some of Napa’s leading producers to talk about the rest of the growing season, the implications of the fires and the style of the wines that were produced The 2020…
Driving through Napa and Sonoma, the land still bears the scars of 2020. The wildfires that raged through the region have left a long-lasting mark, whether it’s lengthy reconstruction efforts or the stark, charred tree trunks that cover the mountains. But it’s more than that. To an outsider, the fires feel intangible, terrifying yet somehow…
Much has been written about Promontory. The property was discovered by Bill Harlan in the 1980s, hidden behind a ridgeline in Oakville, and its story – one that almost feels mythical – has been told many times (including by us). Those stories, however, don’t prepare you for standing in this vineyard. “The territory”, as the…
Our team has spent the last week touring some of Napa and Sonoma’s best wineries, exploring the Golden State and what makes it so special. Sophie Thorpe considers why – three centuries after the Gold Rush – California remains a land of opportunity Think of the Golden State and you imagine sunshine, orange trees and…
Anyone who’s had the misfortune of tasting a de-alcoholized version knows that alcohol is key to wine. Take it away and it leaves a gaping void in the glass – stripping the liquid of body and flavor. Those attempting to craft alcohol-free alternatives look to make up for its absence with sugar or flavorings, but…
In 2021, Colgin celebrated its 30th harvest. In a relatively short time, this Napa estate has become one of the most successful wineries in the region, if not the world. Its three single-vineyard wines – Cariad, Tychson Hill and IX Estate – regularly receive 99-100 points scores across the board, establishing it as one of the…
To Kalon. For any Californian winemaker, those two words represent the Holy Grail. This vineyard in Oakville, Napa, is undeniably the region’s most famous. Perched at the foot of the Mayacamas, west of Highway 29, this site has been recognized for producing fine wine since the 19th century. Literally translating as the “highest beauty” or…
Under the tenure of winemaker Michael Silacci Opus One has gone from strength to strength. But it’s not him or owners Mouton-Rothschild and Mondavi that are at the heart of its success; for Silacci, it’s all down to the power of collective responsibility This year Michael Silacci is celebrating 21 years at Opus One. Taking…
When it comes to rare wines, it’s difficult to beat the cult Cabernet Sauvignon labels of Napa Valley, California. With a typical average production of only a few hundred cases per year, these exclusive Napa wines are not just some of the rarest wines in California, but they also rank among the most precious fine wine labels in the world. It’s a point of great pride when collectors manage to find a top-rated vintage from a sought-after cult Cabernet producer like Screaming Eagle, Harlan, or BOND.