Winemaker Notes
For 45 years, Markham Vineyards has been a leader in crafting world-class Bordeaux varietals in Napa Valley, with Merlot taking center stage. They honor the heritage of the remarkable Napa Valley wine growing region with every grape grown, every wine bottled, every sip savored. From decades of sustainable farming to our unwavering passion for Merlot, they celebrate the adventurous spirit of Napa while embracing the unique voice of the land. "Merlot is the flagship wine here at Markham. With 260 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and land, each of our Merlot wines are reflective of the distinctive AVAs across the Napa Valley," Kimberlee Nicholls, Winemaker. Each of their exceptional wines is a nuanced expression of the region's character, born of the soil and nurtured with respect for yesterday's successes and a passion for tomorrow's discoveries.
Markham has always embodied a spirit of creativity and collaboration. From building the iconic stone cellar, to firing a cannon annually in the vineyards, to crafting their signature Merlot, the Markham story continues to evolve, grow and be enriched by each voice's unique mark of character.
WOMEN-LED WINEMAKING & VITICULTURE TEAM
Markham is honored to have Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls at the helm of the Markham winemaking team. When Kim began her career three decades ago, she was one of the first female winemakers in the Napa Valley. Today, women winemakers in Napa Valley still only represent 12% of the total, and Kim remains among the very few who specialize in Merlot.
VINEYARDS
"Great wines can only develop from superior grapes,” said Bruce Markham, Founder. Markham's 260 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards and land span the Napa Valley from north to south. The diversity of soil, climate and terrain in their vineyards offer Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls an extraordinary palette of flavor and texture at harvest time, adding depth and nuance to each and every Markham wine.
SUSTAINABILITY ISN’T SOMETHING THEY DO – IT'S WHO THEY ARE
It's woven into the fabric of Markham's being and considered at every touchpoint, from soil to fruit and cellar to glass. The character of Markham's wines is intrinsically tied to the health of the soil and the vines, and Markham is committed to delivering excellence beyond just the wine inside the bottles. Since July 2022, Markham's winery and estate vineyards are certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. For Markham sustainability made includes the following:
• 100% Wastewater Recycling
• 100% Environmentally Preferred Packaging
• 100% of Grape Pomace Used for Compost
• 100% Deep Green Energy
• 100% Recycling Program
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
One of Napa Valley’s oldest wine growing subregions but last to gain appellation status, Calistoga occupies the northernmost section of the valley. Beginning at the foot of Mount St. Helena, its vineyards stretch over steep canyons and roll out onto the valley floor. The soils in Calistoga are volcanic, which means they are heavy in minerals, low in organic matter and allow good drainage for vine roots, creating less green growth and more concentration of flavor within the grape berries.
Summer days are very hot but most nights cool down with moist ocean breezes sneaking in over the Mayacamas Mountains or from Knights Valley to its northwest.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the area’s star variety with Zinfandel coming in a strong second, though the latter commands far less price per tonnage so continues to be outshined by Cabernet in vineyard acreage, save for some important exceptions.