Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Carpe Diem wines are crafted by two world-renowned winemaking teams, using select grapes from two distinct California appellations: Anderson Valley for pinot noir and chardonnay, and Napa Valley for cabernet sauvignon.
Vinified under the meticulous supervision of the Roederer winemaking team, the philosophy behind Carpe Diem’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is to offer the best of two worlds: the richness of California fruit and the elegance of a French wine.
Carpe Diem launched its Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with the 2005 vintage, vinified by Christian Moueix‘s expert winemaking team in Yountville, California. Carpe Diem Cabernet embodies the essence of finely balanced Napa Valley classic cabernet sauvignon made in a traditional style.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.