Historic Vines

Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, est 1882. In 1976, this vineyard shocked the wine world by winning the blind taste test in Paris, the first California wine to do so. The subsequent media attention helped encourage winemakers worldwide to strive for global excellence.

These Cabernet Sauvignon grapes will be picked later in the year as they mature and turn purple. A lucky choice of root stock in 1973 allowed this vineyard survive the Phylloxera aphid outbreaks that devastated many Napa vineyards. These 22-yr old roots run deep enough to avoid irrigation. The vineyard also uses ladybugs instead of pesticides.