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The mid-1970s saw a boom of determined winemaking families staking new ground in the Napa Valley as more wine drinkers demanded wines of greater distinction. Stonegate Vineyards, synonymous with legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and Merlot, was one such leader. Founders James and Barbara Spaulding, considered charter members of Napa Valley's modern wine revolution, recognized and cultivated small subregions within the valley. To the Spauldings, it seemed that grapes of impressive intensity and great depth should grow there. In the '70s and '80s, these microregions' potential, untapped for the most part, captured the imagination of winemakers with drive and grit. The Stonegate winery, situated between St. Helena and Calistoga along Napa Valley's famed Highway 29, was the proving ground for wines originating in vineyard gems in such places as Diamond Mountain, Rutherford, and Oakville. Along with son David, who heads up winemaking, the family was the first to own the entire winemaking process from growing grapes, harvesting, crushing, fermenting, and aging, to tasting and observing how wine drinkers reacted to the wines. The result was universally heralded wine. Throughout the decades and with gains in the science of Napa Valley viticulture, the wines of Stonegate have never suffered a downturn in quality, even with a series of ownership changes. Caretaker of the Stonegate brand is the newly-formed Robin Hood, LLC. A rich history of viticulture, a deep knowledge of microclimates, optimal winemaking, and an effective sales team will fortify a brand that has become indistinguishable from the fine reputation of Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay. The partnership intends to strengthen their visibility through optimized farming of outstanding vineyards from Stonegate's past and new discoveries, closely monitored winemaking, and new packaging upholding the brand as a classic. Classic is certainly the word we would use to describe this Merlot. The dense, chocolatey and berry essences abound in a whirling sensation depositing flecks of intense flavors within its realm. Not to be missed with osso buco or chicken fried steak. February 2012 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf) Limited Series for February 2012 from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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