David Arthur Vineyards was founded in 1985 on what Wine Spectator refers to as "the Rodeo Drive of Napa Valley." Its stunning parcel is located on Pritchard Hill, surrounded by Napa cult wineries OVID, Dalla Valle, Screaming Eagle, Continuum, and many more. The estate is best known for its mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, with the flagship, David Arthur Elevation 1147 gaining immense acclaim. Today, the estate is still run by its founder, David Arthur, with the help of his daughter, Laura Long.
David Arthur Vineyards: Early Napa Founding
Though David Arthur Vineyards was established in 1985, the estate's history dates back to the 1960s when David Arthur's father, Don Long, began investing in property across Pritchard Hill. After enough acquisitions, Don owned 1,000 acres and intended to use the land for cattle ranch but swiftly reevaluated after evaluating the soil. Along with David, the pair identified the terroir was perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon and hoped to capitalize on the growing Napa cult trend.
Once David returned from internships at Chappellet, Joseph Phelps, and Schramsberg in 1978, he received his father's approval to build a barn on the property and began planting vines. The inaugural 1985 vintage coincided with his daughter's birth and marked the beginning of David Arthur Vineyards.
David Arthur Napa Valley: Pritchard Hill Vineyards & Terroir
David Arthur Vineyards sits atop the Eastern Vaca Mountain range on Pritchard Hill near prime Napa cult estates such as Continuum, Colgin, and Bryant Family. The site features rocky, red soils and fine silty loam topsoil, forcing the vines to struggle and creating highly concentrated fruit with a distinct mineral profile. Organic farming has been exclusively utilized throughout the vineyard's 40-year history, earning a CCOF certification in 1986. Furthermore, David Arthur uses low yields at only 2.7 tons per acre and has bird box installations, night harvests, hand pruning, and other methods that ensure the vineyard's organic status.
Ultimately, the three main blocks at David Arthur Vineyards are as follows:
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Ten Acre, planted in 1979 to Chardonnay on St. George rootstock also contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc,
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Six Acre, known as the 'Elevation block,' as its Cabernet Sauvignon is the core component of the flagship Elevation 1147.
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Three Acre, the smallest vineyard, with most of the fruit used in the Three Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, also planted to small portions of Nebbiolo.
David Arthur Wine: Cabernet-Based Portfolio
David Arthur Vineyards crafts nine different wines across red and white varietals, with Elevation 1147 as its most celebrated. Each of the wines age in 100% new French oak barrels and classically styled with firm tannins and structure. The estate's current winemaker is Nile Zacherle, bringing immense experience from Barnett Vineyards and Chateau Montelena. There have only been three winemakers in the estate's history, as the previous two were legendary names: Heidi Barrett and Bob Egelhoff.
David Arthur Elevation 1147
David Arthur Elevation 1147 is the estate's flagship wine, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and filled with power and finesse. The wines feature a ruby red color, earthy, floral notes, and exceptional aging potential. Possibly the finest vintage came in 1997, which Wine Spectator rated 99 points and labelled, "An extraordinary effort" for its beautiful structure and rich aftertaste.
David Arthur Proprietary Red
David Arthur Proprietary Red is the newest wine in the estate's portfolio, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wine has been described as a bold, rich, and elegantly concentrated effort, featuring a plush, mouth-filling structure. Bottles are best enjoyed in their youth and provide an accessible entry into David Arthur wines.
David Arthur Chardonnay
David Arthur Chardonnay is grown in the Oak Knoll District, a cool climate region that gives the fruit low sugar and high acidity. Once blended, the Burgundian-inspired bottles are crisp, complex, and full-bodied.
Grab a Bottle of David Arthur Wine
As one of Napa Valley's established estates, a bottle of David Arthur wine showcases the complexity and knowledge of a true wine enthusiast. Each bottle features bold styles and incredible age-ability, the perfect addition to your cellar. Discover your next Napa Valley Cabernet gem from our David Arthur wines collection.
