EMH Vineyards was founded in 1999 when Merrill Lindquist purchased a pocket-sized vineyard just east of the Silverado Trail. With slightly less than an acre, the vineyard nevertheless grew outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and in her first year as owner, Lindquist decided to keep a half ton of grapes for herself, selling the rest to other producers. She hired winemaker Art Finkelstein to make the first nine vintages. Finkelstein founded Whitehall Lane Winery, later sold it and opened a custom crush facility. Today the winemaker is Kenn Vigoda, and due to the success of the estate’s one wine, Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon, Lindquist no longer sells grapes, but keeps all her grapes for her own label. Black Cat is named for the family’s pet, and the wine is generally available only through a mailing list. About 100 cases are made annually.