Duckhorn Vineyards
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent nearly fifty years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines.
From its modest first vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has cultivated a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today, making Duckhorn Vineyards one of the most renowned producers of Bordeaux varietal wines.
Fundamental to this tradition was the early decision to focus on the production of premium Merlot. Although many Napa Valley wineries used Merlot as a blending grape in the late 1970s, only a few spotted its potential as a wine in its own right. Dan Duckhorn, a huge fan of Merlot since his travels to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, felt that this elegant grape variety was underestimated in North America. In the late 1980s, the Duckhorns began acquiring more vineyards in acclaimed areas of the Napa Valley. Today, the Duckhorn Napa Valley Estate Vineyard portfolio comprises of nine unique vineyards, including St. Helena, Yountville, Calistoga and Howell Mountain. Each of them is growing Merlot alongside other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and also Chardonnay, whose different characteristics reflect the variations in soil, terrain, microclimate and exposition. In 2001, the traditionally styled Estate House was built in beautiful St. Helena with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
White wines from Duckhorn Vineyards
Red wines from Duckhorn Vineyards
from Duckhorn Vineyards
The production of the first vintage of The Discussion in 2006 was a milestone in the history of Duckhorn Vineyards. This cuvée of grapes from six diverse Napa Valley premium sites (depending on the vintage), represents the pinnacle of the Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio and their belief in the timeless marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
In 2014, Renée Ary was promoted to winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards after spending 11 years honing her craft and mastering the Duckhorn Vineyards style under then winemaker, Mark Beringer. Prior to that, she gained hands-on experience at the Robert Mondavi Winery. Renée, who was raised on the East Coast, is dedicated to crafting classic Napa Valley wines that reflect the unique character and quality of the various vineyards.
DECOY WINES
Established in 1985, Decoy Wines is a brand in the Duckhorn portfolio producing every day wines for any occasion. Dana Epperson is the talented winemaker in charge of Decoy's winemaking. Working in close collaboration with the Duckhorn vineyards and winemaking teams, she ensures that the wines - from the Alexander Valley AVA (the best appellation for growing Bordeaux grapes in Sonoma County), Central Coast and Napa Valley, among others - reflect Decoy's signature style and firm commitment to quality.
While the summer daytime temperatures suit the warmth-loving red grapes, the cooling effect of the evening fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean preserves the invigorating acidity of the fruit as it ripens. Optimal conditions for wines with a lot of richness and depth, as well as elegance and a wonderful freshness.
Producer
Domaine Julien Brocard
The seven vineyards - Chablis "naturally"
Julien Brocard's domaine is located in Préhy, just a few kilometres from the town of Chablis in northern Burgundy. The aim of the domaine is to bring out the true character of the wines without any distortion, and for this purpose the vines have been cultivated biodynamically since 2011.
Bodegas Ribas
We could talk about Bodega Ribas on Mallorca, all day long. But it's best to see and read for yourself! We sent wine journalist Britta Wiegelmann and cameraman Felix Groteloh to experience the winery and the family at first hand. Araceli and Javier Servera Ribas, the brother and sister team behind the wines, tell us how the oldest existing winery on the island survived phylloxera, why they love their local grape, the Mantonegro, so much and what the sea has to do with it all.
Rocche Costamagna / Alessandro Locatelli
The wines of Rocche-Costamagna are a result of the perfect interplay of geographical location, meticulous care both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and decades of experience.