Kapcsándy Family Winery has soared to the peak of Napa's fine wine scene since its 2002 opening, a relatively short period for a wine estate. Following its inspiration from First Growth Bordeaux estates, Kapcsandy continually produces high-scoring wines that are beloved by both critics and collectors, demanding intense praise and fervor with each vintage. Though founder, Lou Kapcsandy, passed away in 2021, a new generation powers forward at the estate, looking to bring the Kapcsandy Family Winery to new heights. 

The Kapcsandy Family Winery Beginnings: A Journey From Hungary

The estate's journey begins in 1956 when Lou Kapcsandy emigrated to the United States from Hungary with the hopes of creating a successful engineering and manufacturing career in San Francisco and Seattle. Over the course of 40 years, Kapcsandy made a prominent name for himself in the field, building close relationships with colleagues who introduced him to fine wine from Europe. After gaining a love of Bordeaux wines and  sourcing exceptional vintages for his cellar, Lou took his wife and son, Bobbie and Louis Jr., on a trip to France to visit the exquisite Leoville Las Cases estate. This 1998 trip ignited a fire in the former engineer to startup his own family wine business, and, as soon as the family returned to America, they began shopping around Napa for the best vineyard to acquire. Two years later, the Kapcsandy's purchased one of Beringer Estates Private Reserve Cabernet's best plots of lands - a 20-acre vineyard in Yountville - and the Kapcsandy Family Winery was born. 

The Site Behind Kapcsandy Wines

Kapcsándy's vineyard is one of the most exceptional sites in the Yountville region; numerous soil and microclimate tests were conducted prior to purchase to ensure the family was acquiring one of Napa's best plots of land. Its prime location, climate, and terroir combine to create a remarkable environment for cultivating Bordeaux grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Kapcsándy states: “We’ve always been inspired by French wines and our vineyard management and winemaking are heavily influenced by Bordeaux-style practices that produce lower-alcohol wines. Yet we never lose sight of the fact that our grapes are grown on the floor of the world-renowned Napa Valley. Kapcsándy wines reveal that exceptional sense of place.”

Following the purchase of the coveted vineyard, the entire parcel of land was replanted with 15 blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. By using NASA satellite imagery, the family determined the best row direction to protect the grapes from the sun. Ultimately, the magnetic North-South orientation proved to be ideal for uniform ripening, creating the perfect balance between sugars, acidity, and tannins. 

Old-World Values and American Ingenuity

With a Hungarian cultural background and a love for European Grand-Cru style wines, Kapscandy aimed to produce Bordeaux-esque vintages with a new-age Napa terroir. To do so, the vineyard was planted four times more densely than other Napa sites, mimicking the classic French style. There are 2,600 vines per acre on the vineyard, allowing each vine to self-regulate and produce smaller berries with intense flavors and aromas. As such, minimal human interaction is needed, a consistent line in the estate's wine management process. Rather than using chemical solvents to deter pests, nesting boxes, perch poles, and songbird houses are placed around the site to attract birds of prey for natural pest control. 

In addition to Louis Jr. running the winemaking operations, Anthony Arcudi has acted as the Kapcsandy winemaking consultant since 2016. His expertise was referred to the estate by Heidi Peterson Barrett, "Napa's First Lady of Wine," proving to be a profitable move. Since Arcudi's arrival, the Kapcsandy estate utilizes natural fertilizers to supply beneficial bacteria to the soil and is 100% solar powered- a testament to the estate's use of natural resources to produce world-class wines. Furthermore, alcohol levels in the final bottlings were reduced and 25% of the vineyard has been replanted with clones. The final product has been immaculate, earning Kapcsandy wines unforgettable vintages and some of the top Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. 

The Kapcsandy Grand Vin Awes Wine Enthusiasts

One of the defining features of Kapcsándy Grand Vin is its incredibly low production. In 2018, only 400 cases of this exceptional wine were crafted, making it a highly sought-after and limited-edition vintage. The 2019 vintage was even more exclusive, with just 300 cases produced. This low production adds to the allure of these wines and as enthusiasts, owning a bottle is something truly special and unique.

Contrasting Characters - 2018 vs. 2019

While the 2018 and 2019 Kapcsándy Grand Vin are extraordinary wines, they exhibit distinct characteristics due to differences in growing seasons and winemaking. The 2018 vintage is known for its opulence, with rich, ripe black fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and a long, lingering finish. In contrast, the 2019 vintage offers a slightly cooler profile, showcasing vibrant red fruit notes, exquisite balance, and elegance. Both wines are a testament to the excellence and enduring legacy of this esteemed Napa Valley vineyard, showcasing the remarkable terroir and winemaking expertise that make them a true treasure.

Adding either bottle - or both - is a top-tier choice for Napa collectors, Cabernet lovers, and true wine connoisseurs.