STAGECOACH

Mountain Cabernet on Pritchard Hill

You may have noticed a theme that my portfolio of vineyards is focused on Beckstoffer's valley floor vineyards. While the valley floor is known for soft tannins and ripe flavors, the south facing mountain Cabernet of the Pritchard Hill region of Stagecoach is grown in an extreme environment; steep slopes with about 10 inches of red volcanic soil before hitting bedrock. These vines are incredibly stressed and produce very little fruit, typically just a few tons per acre. Sitting at about 1,600 feet elevation, they also do not experience the morning fog layer that the Napa valley floor enjoys each morning throughout the ripening season. These factors lead to a slightly different style of Cabernet Sauvignon, one that emphasizes bigger tannin, dark fruit, and an incredibly long finish with hints of sage and olive. Tasting Napa Valley's premier mountain fruit next to Napa Valley's grand cru Beckstoffer valley floor Cabernet is an incredible and educational experience.