2018 Matthiasson Yount Mill Vineyard Pinot Meunier

Matthiasson is owned and operated by Steve and Jill Matthiasson, who run their Napa Valley micro farm as a true family operation, producing a myriad of agricultural products and wine. They make very small batches of some of the most admired – and unusual -- wines coming out of Napa. The Matthiassons have championed the white grapes of northern Italy, such as Ribolla Gialla, and the ancient Italian red grapes Refosco and Schioppettino. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and blends. Reviewers have been impressed. Matthiasson was a semi-finalist in the 2015 James Beard Foundation’s award for winemaking, and the San Francisco Chronicle named him 2014 Winemaker of the Year. Steve was a philosophy major who returned to college to study horticulture and then worked for years as a consultant in sustainable agriculture and winemaking before focusing on the family winemaking venture. Jill majored in botany and earned an advanced degree in agriculture. The couple are part of what’s been called the new DIY winemaking movement. They make artisanal wines with grapes sourced from leased vineyards, and they make styles and varieties that defy Napa winemaking conventions. Matthiasson source grapes from Oak Knoll, Dry Creek, Rutherford and Coombsville.

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.