2022 Baldacci Family Vineyards Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Baldacci Family Vineyards was founded in the 1990s by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci. Thomas was president of a Bay Area family real estate development company. A love of fine wine and the Napa Valley prompted the couple to buy land in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley and today they own 45 acres of vineyards in Stags Leap, Carneros and Calistoga. Michael Baldacci, one of the Baldacci’s four sons, is company president. Winemaker is Rolando Herrera, whose first winery job was at at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Baldacci makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and a red blend.

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.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.