2017 Patria Oakville Ranch Avoyelles Red

Patria is a collaboration between winemaker Anthony Biagi and Napa-based wine broker Kimberly Jones. Biagi has an extensive résumé, having made wine for Plumpjack, Paraduxx, Neal Family Vineyards, Cade Wineries, Hourglass, Sinegal Estate and Amici. In 2013 he founded Patria, meaning homeland, with Jones, who is known for championing high quality, boutique producers. Grapes for Patria are sourced from Oakville Ranch, and in the first few vintages the wines have won acclaim. Robert M. Parker Jr. rated one of the 2013 cuveés at 98 pts and described it as “flirting with perfection.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.