2010 World's End Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Crossfire

World’s End is another tradition-defying winemaking venture from Jonathan Maltus, the English vigneron behind Château Teyssier and Le Dome, his highly praised St.-Émilion red. World’s End wines are sourced from prestigious vineyards located on Napa Valley’s west facing slopes and from the valley floor. Maltus took the name World’s End from a district in Chelsea, London, where he and his wife Lyn first lived. And since 2008 he has been producing single-vineyard Napa wines that combine French-inspired winemaking with Napa terroir. An iconoclast since he bought Château Teyssier in 1994 and started shaking up the staid St.-Émilion wine world, Maltus continues his rebel ways at World’s End, naming each wine after a famous a rock ‘n roll song and offering quotes on his bottles from such musical icons as Bob Marley and Van Morrison. Maltus’ Napa wines have earned him his usual highly complimentary reviews. Reviewing the World’s End 2010 Syrah and Cabernet Franc blend at 95 pts, Robert Parker noted that “Maltus marches to the beat of a different drummer and clearly has something special on his hands.”

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.