“… it is generally agreed that the first to have achieved the proper combination of quality, rarity, and expense was Grace Family.” — Robb Report
One of Napa Valley’s "Pre-Parker" cult wines, Grace Family Vineyards specializes in single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from prime St. Helena vineyards, captivating both critics and drinkers since its inaugural 1978 vintage. Founded by Dick and Ann Grace, the pair enlisted some of the region's greatest winemakers, such as Heidi Barrett, Charlie Wagner, and Randy Dunn, routinely crafting ripe, complex, and balanced cuvees. Since 2018, Grace Family wines have been owned by business consultant Kathryn Green, who looks to embark on a new era in contemporary Napa Valley.
Grace Family Vineyards: St. Helena Beginnings
Grace Family Vineyards was founded in 1976 after Dick and Ann Grace purchased a Victorian house in St. Helena and planted 1 acre of Cabernet Sauvignon as a weekend hobby. Shortly after, the couple discovered the immense potential of the terroir and sought to capitalize on the ongoing California cult craze caused by the 1976 Paris Tasting. They then called on the help of Charlie Wagner, owner of Caymus Vineyards, to create the estate's wine, with the relationship lasting until 1983. However, Wagner refused to craft the wines once Dick Grace began selling bottles at the Napa Valley Wine Auction.
After Wagner split from the Grace Family, Randy Dunn was hired as the new winemaker, working at the estate until the mid-90s when Heidi Barrett took over. The combination of these three winemakers elevated Grace Family wines into the California cult conversation, with Wine Spectator listing eight estates in its informal ranking.
"Today, the inner circle of California's top cults encompasses nine wines. The current line-up includes eight Napa Valley Cabernets: Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard, Bryant Family Vineyard, Colgin, Dalla Valley Maya, Grace Family Vineyard, Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle and Shafer Hillside Select. There's also one Chardonnay: Marcassin." — James Laube, Wine Spectator
Grace Family Wines: Terroir & Vineyards
The Grace Family Estate Vineyard is the estate's primary parcel, first purchased in 1976. The vineyard totals just under three acres and is divided into two blocks just 300 feet apart. Despite being such a small plot, Grace Family Estate Vineyard contains a diverse arrangement of soils, dominated by red, rocky volcanic soils which serve as the backbone of the flagship Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon. The site is tended to by David Abreu, who first began working on the site in the early 1990s. As one of his first projects, Abreu brought cutting-edge techniques such as using cover crops for regenerative farming, placing sensors to track water usage, and eventually replanting the site in 2017 using selection massale to keep the healthiest vines.
Grace Family Cornelius Grove
The estate's newest vineyard is Cornelius Grove, planted only with Cabernet Sauvignon. Cornelius Grove Vineyard is set on the west side of St. Helena within the Heath Canyon Ranch and has been independently farmed since the 1900s. When Dick and Ann Grace acquired the site in 2016, they intended to use the 70-year-old vines to create a balanced wine that would last in the cellar for decades.
Because of the vineyard's cobble stones and red-hued Perkins soils, the vines struggle and produce low yields. The resulting Cabernet displays beautiful notes of red and blue fruits and herbal and forest notes. Furthermore, olive trees are farmed on Cornelius Grove, protecting the vines from diseases and crafting one of Napa Valley's most exciting, young Cabernets.
Grace Family Blank
Grace Family Vineyard's second-oldest site is Blank Vineyard, the only parcel located outside of St. Helena. The site was acquired in the late 1990s and is set in the Rutherford AVA. At only 1.7 acres, Blank Vineyard contains alluvial soils from the nearby hillsides mixed with cobble deposits from the Napa River. The original Grace Cabernet Sauvignon clone is planted throughout the parcel and set under a large eucalyptus tree, which provides the ripened fruit with a unique freshness and hint of mint notes. Once fully blended, the wine is soft, velvety, and plush.
Grace Family Reliquus
Grace Family Reliquus is the estate's newest wine, first produced in the 2016 vintage from each vineyard. As the only non-single vineyard designate, Reliquus is designed to be enjoyed in its youth, providing an accessible bottle to Napa drinkers looking for a younger wine. Only 350 cases are produced each year, adding to the rarity of Grace Family Wines.
Add Grace Family Wines To Your Cellar
An original California cult wine, Grace Family wines represent an everlasting legacy from a pristine terroir and trailblazing winemakers. Produced only in small quantities, the rarity and quality add to the allure of the bottles, and once aged, Grace Family Cabernet is one of the best expressions of the variety. Browse our selection of Grace Family wines today and add a bottle from this iconic producer to your cellar.
