Winemaker Notes
In 1996, Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke purchased the former Liparita vineyard on Howell Mountain. They renamed this stunning 68-acre vineyard Keyes, after General John Keyes, a Howell Mountain pioneer and former California statesman. Keyes Vineyard sits at an elevation from 1,400 - 1,600 feet on the northeastern side of the Napa Valley on the Vaca Range. Cool temperatures prevail year-round with temperature inversions fluctuating 25 degrees from the top to the bottom of the vineyard. Location: 1,400 - 1,800 ft. elevation on a western facing slope Planting: Vertical trellising and rocky soil conditions naturally limit vine vigor Soils: Red rocky volcanic loam
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.