Stony Hill and Mayacamas: Two California Classics!
10/15/12 -
Stony Hill Vineyard and Mayacamas Vineyards are both historic Napa Valley properties. Stony Hill is arguably the greatest source for mountain grown Chardonnay. With age these Chardonnays put on weight and become full flavored, much like Chablis. The vineyards are high up on Spring Mountain, 725 feet above the valley floor and the cool night temperatures preserve the natural acidity in the grapes. In fifty vintages Stony Hill has never acidified their wine, rare for California Chardonnay.
Mayacamas is a traditional producer of old fashioned Napa Cabernet.
Mayacamas Cabernets are still vinified the way old school California wines were. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, then the wine ages for 18 months in large wood foudres followed by another 6 to 12 months in small French barrels, no more than 20 percent new. These Cabernets age and develop depth and complexity for decades. The wines reflect the terroir of the unique volcanic soil of the estate's vineyards.
The majority of California wines are made from purchased fruit. Both of these estate wineries grow all of their own fruit and make wines that age brilliantly for many, many years. We are very proud to offer multiple vintages of these wines from great private collections. This is a rare opportunity to buy some of Napa Valleys greatest Chardonnay and Cabernet, the two grape varieties that made the Napa Valley famous the world over. These are truly two of America's greatest wines.
Our friend John Gilman's publication "View from the Cellar" recently profiled both of these wineries in his publication. Click on the link below to read his profiles of these two California classics and to take a look at his comprehensive and thoughtful publication.
