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California wines2/1/2024 The varying elevation of the vineyards provide distinct terroir for these first growth wines which has undoubtedly contributed to the estate’s global reputation. Now recognized as one of the original cult wineries in the Valley, the estate is known for its two top-tier labels, The Maiden, and its proprietary Red Blend, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grown on Harlan’s 240 acres that rises in elevation from 225 to 1,225 feet above sea level. In 1984, Bill Harlan founded Harlan Estate with the goal to create First Growth California wines-reminiscent of the best Grand Crus from Bordeaux. The single-vineyard release sees no more than 2,000 cases bottled per vintage and is only available to mailing list members on a first-come, first-serve basis with no allocations. While Scarecrow recognizes the eponymous, loveable character it’s also a symbol of prideful, American agriculture. You may find a stray bottle on the market selling in the range of thousands of dollars (their 2019 vintage starts at $3,899), however, the winery openly discourages resale from its exclusive members’ list.Ī minimalist label showcasing a household icon, Scarecrow pays homage to the original owner’s ranch where its ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown-JJ Cohn was Chief of Production at MGM during Hollywood’s ‘golden era’ and played an essential role in the production of The Wizard of Oz. The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is traditionally blended with tiny amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Though cult status wasn’t the intention of Jean Phillips, who founded the brand in 1986, the wine’s notoriety has only compounded since its first 100 points by Robert Parker in 1997 (rating their very first vintage from 1992). No list of cult wines would be complete without pointing to Screaming Eagle, a label that’s considered to pioneer the category in the late 90s. The Estate recently added a tiny block of Sauvignon Blanc that is sure to be a cult hit of its own in seasons to come. Crane, Beckstoffer Las Piedras, and Beckstoffer To Kalon. Helena, Lithology also produces single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc sourced from the highly sought after plots of Beckstoffer Dr. Most famed for their Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their 13-acre vineyard under the Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate in St. Lithology pays tribute to the study of Napa Valley’s unique geographic history lending itself to the region’s unmistakeable terroir. Below are 10 cult wineries in Napa Valley you should know about, including a few rising stars quickly joining the cult ranks. Regardless of your opinion, however, cult wineries exist and are very much a symbol of Napa Valley (though there are cult wineries around the world, too). On the other end of the spectrum, consumers revel in the term, especially if they’re able to access some of these cult wines. Oh, and because of these traits, high price points are a standard of cult wines.Īs we said, cult isn’t necessarily a negative term here in the Valley, but there are some winemakers and vintners who shy away from it because of what the expression has come to encompass. Many of these cult wineries sell out of their vintages in days and have years-long waiting lists for memberships. The label of cult wineries is often thrown around in the Valley as an elite title reflecting a winery with limited production of high quality wines and a dedicated following. In Napa Valley, “cult” associations aren’t necessarily a negative thing-in regards to wines and wineries that is.
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