In the realm of Napa Valley winemaking, few names loom as large as Jayson Woodbridge, the visionary former investment banker turned winemaker who has earned a sterling reputation and the moniker "Howard Hughes of wine" from esteemed critic Robert Parker. Woodbridge's contrarian personality and relentless pursuit of perfection have solidified his status as one of the most influential and visionary winemakers of our time, making him the driving force behind Hundred Acre, a winery that has achieved cult status since its inception. With an astonishing track record of thirty-four 100-point scores since its debut vintage in 2000, Hundred Acre has firmly established itself as a Napa Valley icon, producing exceptional California Cabernets from three distinct vineyards: Kayli Morgan, Ark, and Few and Far Between.
Hundred Acre's Jayson Woodbridge: From Investment Banker to Winemaking Icon
Woodbridge's journey to find the perfect site for his luxury Cabernets was a multi-year quest, guided by the expertise of vineyard manager Jim Barbour and renowned soil specialist and French-American viticulturalist Philippe Melka. Barbour discovered a parcel with immense potential for Cabernet Sauvignon, while Melka's assessment drew parallels between the vineyard's composition and that of the esteemed Pomerol estate, Château Petrus. This groundbreaking discovery gave birth to the Kayli Morgan Vineyard, setting the stage for Hundred Acre's early successes.
With the acquisition of the Kayli Morgan Vineyard in Howell Mountain, Woodbridge founded Hundred Acre, drawing inspiration from the enchanting Hundred Acre Wood in the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories, a name his children had given to their cherished play forest. As Hundred Acre's renown grew, so too did its vineyard holdings. Today, the estate boasts three exceptional vineyards: the original Kayli Morgan Vineyard (now known as "Morgan's Way"), the 15-acre Ark Vineyard on Howell Mountain, and the Few and Far Between Vineyard, perched just above the historic Eisele Vineyard in Calistoga.
Hundred Acre Winery: Single Vineyard Wines of Napa Valley Terroir
The meticulously selected vineyards that showcase the terroir of Napa Valley and optimal sites for Cabernet expression. Nestled at the base of Howell Mountain. the 9-acre vineyard of Kayli Morgan Vineyard was planted in 1996, gently sloping from its center. The soil's unique composition of ancient clay, volcanic glass, and gravel pebbles allow for slow water absorption, providing a cooling effect on the vines and protecting them from temperature fluctuations. As wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown eloquently notes, "There is an almost Pétrus-like restraint and ferrous edge to the wines from this place."
Another jewel in the Hundred Acre crown is the Ark Vineyard, a 13-acre site also located in Howell Mountain. This hillside vineyard boasts diverse volcanic soils punctuated by striking black obsidian rock, forming an elegant 180-degree arc around its neighbor. The Ark Vineyard features an intricate patchwork of various clones, rootstocks, and row orientations, contributing to the complexity and depth of the wines it produces.
In contrast to the Kayli Morgan and Ark Vineyards, the Few and Far Between Vineyard is a more intimate site, encompassing just 5.5-acres above the legendary Eisele Vineyard in Calistoga. The soil here is a blend of clay and gravel with plantings that consist of 10% Cabernet Franc alongside the predominant Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique composition sets the Few and Far Between Vineyard apart from its siblings, offering a distinct departure from the Cabernet Sauvignon-exclusive focus of the other vineyards.
Hundred Acre Estate Wine Styles: Crafting Unique Expressions
Since their inaugural vintage in 2000, Hundred Acre has remained steadfast in its commitment to producing wines exclusively from their estate vineyards: Kayli Morgan, Ark, and Few and Far Between. While the single-vineyard wines from each of these three sites form the core of the estate's lineup, Hundred Acre also crafts a select range of other remarkable offerings.
The Dark Ark emerges from the most intense and concentrated lots of the Ark Vineyard, while Deep Time is born from specially chosen barrels that undergo extended aging. Wraith, a masterful blend of all three vineyards, seeks to encapsulate the essence of each vintage rather than focusing on a specific plot. Crypt is an extended-aging version of the Wraith, drawing out deeper, long-lingering expression. The elusive and highly sought-after Precious is produced only when Woodbridge believes a wine embodies the purest expression of Hundred Acre's philosophy, making it the ultimate prize for collectors
Hundred Acre: Other Wine Styles from Napa and Beyond
Hundred Acre's portfolio extends beyond its core offerings, showcasing the estate's versatility and creativity. Fortification, an uncommon style of single-vineyard wine, is blended with brandy distilled from a separate vineyard, adding an intriguing dimension to the lineup.
Eager to explore new frontiers beyond the boundaries of Napa Valley, Hundred Acre has ventured to the renowned Barossa Valley in Australia. In 2004, Woodbridge embarked on a new project called Ancient Way, crafting exceptional Shiraz wines that highlight the depth and complexity of this iconic grape variety.
Closer to home, Fortunate Son represents Woodbridge's latest endeavor, paying homage to Napa Valley's rich heritage by featuring micro-blocks in their bottlings. This project showcases even further exploration into the diverse terroir and micro-climates found within the region.
Hundred Acre Estate: Rigorous Vineyard Management
Each of Hundred Acre's vineyards is meticulously managed, employing state-of-the-art misting systems inspired by the Dutch tulip industry. These systems ensure optimal fruit ripeness by prolonging the growing season. The dedication to quality is unparalleled, with vines pruned to yield a single grape cluster each, resulting in extraordinarily low yields and requiring up to five separate picking rounds during harvest.
Hundred Acre Winemaking Philosophy & High Standards
Woodbridge's meticulous approach to winemaking and strict attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the vineyard and winery operations. Grapes undergo a rigorous sorting process, with clusters meticulously inspected first in the field and then again at the winery. Before processing, the fruit undergoes a final berry-by-berry inspection on a vibrating sorting table. This meticulous approach ensures that only the finest grapes make their way into Hundred Acre's wines, contributing to the creation of some of Napa Valley's most rich, complex, and opulent Cabernets.
Woodbridge's uncompromising standards extend from the vine to the bottle, guaranteeing that no externally sourced fruit is used and that nothing less than perfection makes it through the doors. Any grapes that fall short of his rigorous criteria are discarded. This dedication to quality yields wines that consistently rank among the finest in the region, cementing Hundred Acre's position as a true icon of Napa Valley winemaking.
In the winery, grapes are fermented in French oak, typically 500-liter puncheons, with the aging process tailored to each vintage. Some wines may rest in barrel for up to two years, resulting in spectacular, opulent, and vibrant wines that showcase the immense complexity and potential of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hundred Acre Wine Style: Where Opulence Meets Individuality
Hundred Acre wines are a true embodiment of Jayson Woodbridge's individualistic and charismatic nature. These Cabernets, celebrated for their rich opulence and vibrant fruit, stand as one of Napa Valley's most distinctive expressions of the varietal. Robert Parker affirms, "His wines are among the most individualistic in California. Even with their lofty prices and limited availability, they merit support."
For collectors and connoisseurs seeking opulent, age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernets, Hundred Acre is the ultimate destination. Though their quantities are limited and acquiring them can be a challenge, the diverse selection of bottlings and vintages allows collectors a range of styles to seek out.
The Allure of Hundred Acre Wines: Best Wines to Feature Napa Valley Luxury
“The necks of the Hundred Acre bottles also feature a 24-carat gold band seal fired into the glass, which he says is the symbol of his bond with his clients.” – Antonio Galloni
Hundred Acre's approach to marketing is as distinctive as its wines. Rather than relying on conventional strategies, the winery opts for a more discreet, network-oriented approach. This aura of exclusivity enhances the allure of Hundred Acre's wines, appealing to collectors and those seeking luxurious experiences. With limited production, owning a bottle of Hundred Acre becomes a prestigious badge of honor.
Jayson Woodbridge's impact on the Napa Valley wine scene extends beyond his own winery. Known for his contrarian nature, Woodbridge has occasionally faced conflicts with local authorities. However, his commitment to the community shines through in his support of local non-profit organizations and his genuine passion for the land.
“Describing Jayson Woodbridge requires a thesaurus. Passionate is a good word, along with driven, charismatic and hedonistic. You could add exacting, arrogant, and volatile.” – Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
For wine enthusiasts and collectors seeking the ultimate expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Hundred Acre is a must-have addition to any cellar. However, due to the winery's limited production and high demand, securing these coveted bottles often requires being on Hundred Acre's exclusive mailing list. Those fortunate enough to experience these extraordinary wines are treated to a sensory journey that showcases the passion, dedication, and unparalleled skill of Jayson Woodbridge and his team.
Hundred Acre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality unite. These wines not only captivate the senses but also tell a story of one man's relentless pursuit of excellence and the remarkable terroir that shapes each bottle. For those who appreciate the very best that Napa Valley has to offer, Hundred Acre represents a legacy of passion and the enduring allure of exceptional wine.
