The land

Napa Valley sits in northern California, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The valley runs 30 miles north-south, with diverse microclimates determined by proximity to San Pablo Bay (cooler in the south, warmer in the north) and elevation (the floor versus the surrounding mountain ranges). The soils are extraordinarily varied — over 100 distinct soil types in a relatively small area — and produce remarkable diversity in Cabernet expression.

The AVAs

Napa Valley AVA covers the entire region. Within it: Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga (in the warmer north); Yountville, Oak Knoll District, Carneros (in the cooler south); and the mountain AVAs of Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Atlas Peak. Each has its own character — Stags Leap is silken and elegant; Howell Mountain is structured and tannic; Oakville and Rutherford are the historical heart of structured, balanced Napa Cab.

Style of the wines

Napa is Cabernet country. The flagship style is concentrated, ripe, oak-influenced Cabernet Sauvignon — black cherry, cassis, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, with alcohols routinely 14.5-15.5%. Mountain Cabernet (Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mount Veeder) is more structured and tannic. Valley-floor Cabernet (Oakville, Rutherford) tends toward more silken, immediately approachable wines. Chardonnay from the cooler Carneros AVA can be serious; Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a sliver of Petit Verdot also have roles.

The 1976 Judgment of Paris

Napa’s international reputation was effectively established by the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when a blind tasting in Paris ranked Napa Chardonnays and Cabernets ahead of top French wines. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Cabernet) and Chateau Montelena (Chardonnay) took the top spots and changed the global wine conversation.

Vintages to know

2019 — outstanding. 2018 — exceptional. 2016 — legendary. 2013 — superb. 2010 — classic balance. 2007 — legendary.

Producers we know

Historical references: Robert Mondavi, Heitz, Mayacamas, Ridge (Monte Bello — technically in Santa Cruz, but a Napa-style cult Cabernet). Cult Cabernets: Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Bryant Family, Colgin, Bond, Schrader. More approachable serious producers: Spottswoode, Dominus, Caymus, Silver Oak, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Chateau Montelena, Shafer, Joseph Phelps Insignia.