N.V. Souverain Burgundy

Souverain’s history dates to 1944 when J. Leland Stewart harvested his first crop from his vineyard near Howell Mountain. Stewart focused on making Cabernet Sauvignon, and for several decades his Cabs were widely admired by those who believed that California could produce world class wine. Stewart sold the winery to investors in 1973, staying on for almost a decade as winemaking consultant. At the time of the sale, the estate moved to Alexander Valley, where it remains today. In 1986 the estate was sold to Beringer and the word “Chateau” was added to the name. Ed Killian was hired as an associate winemaker in 1992 and since 1996 he has been head winemaker. Souverain owns a 120-year old estate vineyard of about 280 acres. Souverain produces Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.