Winemaker Notes
The Pelissa family has been fortunate to own and farm vineyards in Napa Valley for over 100 years. As 5th generation grape-growers, their hearts will always be in the vineyards, where the life of a wine begins. That’s why all 635 acres of their grapes are 100% certified organically-farmed. Oakville Winery Wines is their way of taking grape-growing one step further. Utilizing fruit from their family estate vineyards in the prized Oakville appellation, we create high quality Napa Valley wines that are accessible to everyone. The wines possess an unwavering commitment to quality, a farming legacy that has lasted over a century, and their family’s longtime, unique heritage in Napa Valley.
Oakville Winery was first established in November 1877 as Brun & Chaix, Oakville Winery. It was the 9th bonded winery in California. In 1993, when the Pelissa family purchased the winery and surrounding vineyards, it was sold to them, as The Oakville Winery. The Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are planted adjacent to the winery, the essence of an estate definition in the center of the Oakville appellation.
This family has owned vineyards in Napa Valley since 1903. They strive to produce wines that represent the land and its heritage. The Ghost Block Estate Wines Portfolio always represents Napa Valley's best quality at reasonable prices. The "new" Oakville Winery will produce wines from the same vineyards and the same location as the founding winery, thus continuing a 132 year old tradition. In a real sense, the name Oakville Winery was chosen for us from the beginning. The Oakville appellation is precious to all of us who share this region's bounty.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.