WINEMAKING PROGRAM

    GRAPES AND APPELLATIONS

We believe that sourcing the world's finest grapes is central to creating great wines.

At California Cult Classics, grapes will be sourced from the very best of Napa and Sonoma Valley, from the special vineyards that grow exclusively for the highest quality California wines. These grapes are traditionally purchased by the "cult wineries", which produce very limited quantities of wines in the $150 to $300 US per bottle range.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
We offer two distinct Cabernet Vineyards for 2007:

1. Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, Rutherford, California

This is a historic vineyard originally planted by Georges de Latour in the 1930's. Andre Tchelistcheff originally chose this site for the famed Beaulieu vineyard. It was considered one of the finest acreages in Napa.

Andy Beckstoffer purchased the property in the 1960's and has planted it with the superb "Clone Six " Cabernet. Clone Six is a light producer (2.5 - 3 tonnes per acre) of intense flavoured Cabernet grapes. The grapes tend to be loosely bunched and very small. MerryVale winery produces limited cases priced at $140 US per bottle and Beaulieu Vineyards produces limited amounts as their new flagship wine ($130 US) . Caymus Vineyards are adjacent to Beckstoffer Georges III.

2. Lamonica Vineyards, Oak Knoll

This vineyard produces less than 3 tonnes per acre on a hillside just south of Signorello and Darioush Vineyards off the sunny east side of the Silverado Trail. The grapes are planted on a sloping hillside with rigorous pruning and thinning during the growing season. It produces wine of great complexity with soft tannins and a long finish. Lamonica is family owned by Sam & David Lamonica.

SYRAH

Monticello Vineyards, Oak Knoll

Centered in Napa-famed Oak Knoll district, the Monticello Vineyards have produced stunning Syrah and Cabernet for years. The vineyard is overseen by Winemaster Chris Corley who is known for his powerful yet balanced wines made from this highly respected vineyard.

PINOT NOIR

Beckstoffer Las Amigas Vineyard, Carneros

We are again offering Pinot from the legendary Beckstoffer Las Amigas Vineyard in Carneros. This fruit has been used by many top Pinot producers. It is very concentrated and dark in colour with typical strawberry and red fruit flavours. It finishes with ripe and elegant tannins. Wine from this vineyard regularly scores 92 - 95 points in trade magazines.

ZINFANDEL

Nichelini Vineyards, Napa Valley

Back by critical demand ... Zinfandel from Nichelini Vineyards in Napa Valley. This vineyard was planted in 1929 and is head pruned and dry farmed. With a very low yield of 1- 1.5 tonnes per acre, this wine is concentrated, with an explosion of fresh fruit in the mid palette. If you like them big and rustic, this one is for you.

MERLOT

Lamonica Merlot Vineyard, Napa Valley

Lamonica Merlot Vineyard is located in southern Napa where the vines are embraced with early morning fog ushering the midday sun that slowly ripens the grapes to produce a wine that is elegant and complex. Low yielding canes produce vibrant plum, raspberry and mineral flavours that dance on the long finish.

CHARDONNAY

To Be Determined

We have rejected dozens of Chardonnay vineyards in an effort to secure the finest grape available. When we secure our source it will be posted on this site.

    BARRELS

Seguin Moreau of Napa Valley supply California Cult Classics with both French and American oak barrels. Each barrel is custom toasted to California Cult Classics' specifications and each matched to compliment the style and intensity of the wine that is being produced. Wine will age one to two years in these barrels and will then be bottled and custom labeled by club members.