Vine Hill Ranch is one of Napa Valley's "oldest newcomers," serving as a negociant prior to its establishment as a wine estate. Now in the hands of the third generation of family ownership, Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet is known for its subdued nature in a sea of large, full-bodied Napa Cabs. As the estate approaches its 2nd decade in operation, it is transforming from an "insider's wine" to a cult contender.
Vine Hill Ranch: Rich Napa Heritage
Vine Hill Ranch dates back to the 19th century, when the vineyard served as a growing site for peaches, pears, apples, quinces, and walnuts. The first grape vines were planted in 1884 and were used for the pioneering Charles Krug Winery. After undergoing instability during the Prohibition era, Vine Hill Ranch was later purchased in 1959 by Bruce Kelham, who acquired over 1,000 acres. Over the next fifty years, the site acted as one of Napa's biggest negociants, playing a crucial role in producing fruit for Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon, and Beaulieu Vineyard.
Then, in the mid-70s, Kelham's daughter and son-in-law, Alex and Bob Phillips, moved their family to the ranch. The pair arrived at the perfect time, drawing contracts with growing Napa Cult wineries such as Colgin Cellars and Joseph Phelps Winery, and eventually adding Araujo Estate, Lail Vineyard, BOND Winery, and Memento Mori, amongst others, to its customer list. While the business was steady, the Phillips family was forced to sell some of Vine Hill Ranch to Andy Beckstoffer in the early 1990s due to phylloxera ravaging certain blocks. Rather than take out loans to replant the vines, Phillips sold the land, which later became known as the Missouri Hopper Ranch. Then, Tony Soter, a Napa wine consultant, replanted the remaining land and installed a unique trellising system.
Despite the immense success, Bob Phillips and his son, Bruce, grew discontent with the wines these estates were crafting, and ultimately decided to create their own wine estate with select blocks. Thus, in 2008, Vine Hill Ranch was born, using the best fruit from one acre of each block to create the flagship Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vine Hill Ranch Wine: "Old World" Vinification
The Vine Hill Ranch winemaking team takes a minimal-intervention approach, opting to mirror "Old World" techniques of Burgundian and Bordeaux estates, rather than following in the footsteps of its Napa Valley neighbors. Francoise Peschon is the estate's head winemaker, bringing experience from Chateau Haut-Brion and Araujo Estate. She works with Bruce Phillips and Vineyard Manager, Michael Wolf, to create subtle, medium-bodied Cabernet with silky tannins and a polished, sensual character.
Each harvest is followed closely to determine the fruit's optimal ripeness, then it is hand-picked, meticulously sorted, given cold soaks, and extended macerations. Only native yeast is used, and the final blends age in 75% new French oak for 20-21 months, with the mailing-list exclusive VHR Vintage aged for an additional 12 months.
Vine Hill Ranch Winery: Exceptional Oakville Terroir
Vine Hill Ranch consists of 70 planted acres on Oakville's wooded hills in the Mayacamas Mountain Range. One acre of each of the seven blocks is reserved for the VHR Cabernet Sauvignon, with blocks on the higher elevations consisting of gravelly soils, and the lower elevation blocks consisting of deep loamy soils. Furthermore, the higher-elevation sites produce fruit with earthy, forest floor flavors, and the lower-elevation fruit displays bright fruit flavors and fine tannins. Blocks 3, 4, and 6 are the core blocks of VHR Cabernet.
Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon: Notable Vintages
Vine Hill Ranch 2017
The 2017 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon was heralded as one of the young estate's finest efforts, despite the devastating Tubbs Fire that affected Napa Valley. The final cuveé was praised for its bright fruit and floral aromas, lengthy finish, and elegant structure. In his Vinous Media review, Antonio Galloni stated the bottle "is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage" thanks to its silky tannins and plush, racy fruit.
Vine Hill Ranch 2015
The 2015 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon is marked by deep ruby hues, a vibrant bouquet, and an energetic finish. The wine received 95 and 96+ point scores from Lisa Perrotti-Brown and Antonio Galloni, who each celebrated the red cherry and plum profile and chewy tannins.
Add Vine Hill Ranch To Your Cellar
Vine Hill Ranch has grown to become one of Napa Valley's most sought-after bottles since its 2008 inception, and is notoriously a difficult bottle to acquire on the open market. Less than 1,200 cases are produced each vintage from a top Oakville terroir and old-school winemaking. These wines are perfect for drinkers in the market of young, polished Napa Cabernet, with the potential to mature over the following decade. Browse our collection and add a bottle to your cellar today.
