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REPRESENTING WINES FROM
CALIFORNIA AND BEYOND

IN THE NEWS

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WINE SPECTATOR

James Molesworth

FEBRUARY 2023

With each large corporate entity buying a prominent Napa winery comes the grumbles and complaints of those who think the valley is losing its sense of soul and place. Yet at the same time, hundreds of small wineries continue to drive the valley’s quality and diversity.

It depends how you see the wineglass, as an optimist or a pessimist. The recent news that Andy Erickson and Annie Favia secured a new spot to build an estate for their Favia project is case in point. A first-generation, family-owned operation doubling down to help build its legacy, Favia offers a resounding “glass half full” view.

Following close behind is the news that Memento Moris founders, along with winemaker Sam Kaplan, have decided to create their own permanent home. With the purchase of the former Stonescape estate in Calistoga, this new star among boutique Cabernet producers is following a similar path in trying to set itself up for a generational run.

WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR: FRANCOISE PESCHON

Esther Mobley

DECEMBER 2019

Francoise Peschon’s terroir-first attitude represents the best shot a changing Napa has at staying relevant.
 

In the dimly lit wine cave, Francoise Peschon is extracting small samples of wine from barrels. She bends over each barrel, removing the rubber bung, then plunges a plastic thief into the belly and lets it rest for a moment, acclimating. With a flick of her thumb, the thief’s chamber fills with deep, dark Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.

All the barrels contain Cabernet — that’s pretty much all Vine Hill Ranch grows — and the first barrel she taps holds 2018 Cab from Block 4 of the Vine Hill Ranch vineyard in Napa’s Oakville AVA.
From some of the most storied vineyard sites to respected multi-generational family businesses, the brands we represent are truly unique but you don’t have to take our word for it. Explore all the recent press and recognition our brands have received.