Nestled in the northern reaches of Napa Valley, Levy & McClellan is a boutique estate led by the masterminds behind Harlan Estate and Sloan Estate, two iconic properties. Robert Parker attests, “No one will complain about the quality in the bottle as they are clearly Napa Valley first-growths,” a testament to their exceptional quality. These wines are highly sought-after, with a minuscule production that’s exclusively sold through allocation. This is where the magic of Napa Valley comes to life.
Bob Levy and Martha McClellan: The Masterminds of Levy & McClellan
Founded in 2004 by Bob Levy and Martha McClellan, both esteemed Napa winemakers, Levy & McClellan emerged from their shared passion. Bob Levy, formerly of Harlan Estate, began his winemaking journey at UC Davis and earned his stripes as the head winemaker at Cuvaison. Fate intervened when he crossed paths with Koerner Rombauer, who would hire him to become Rombauer’s inaugural winemaker. Bill Harlan of Merryvale Vineyards entered the picture, seeking custom crush services from Rombauer, and this encounter marked the beginning of a remarkable collaboration. Bob Levy assumed the role of Harlan's lead winemaker, a role he continues to excel in to this day.
Martha McClellan, on the other hand, embarked on her winemaking journey on foreign shores, in Germany at the University of Geisenheim. As the only American in her graduating class, she displayed a dedication to her craft that knew no bounds. A decade of experience spanning Germany, Australia, and the United States honing her skills culminated in her role as the assistant winemaker at Merryvale Vineyards, where her partnership with Bob Levy began. Subsequently, Martha was recruited to Sloan, where she elevated the winery to the upper echelons of Napa's elite. Her expertise also shone at Blankiet Estate, where she led three exceptional vintages from 2006 to 2008.
Levy & McClellan Wine: A Unique Approach in the Valley
In 2004, after years of crafting exceptional wines at their respective estates, Bob and Martha decided to unite their talents and establish Levy & McClellan. A quest for the perfect vineyard site led them to a premium hillside location, nestled 500 feet above sea level between Calistoga and Diamond Mountain. This intimate six-acre vineyard primarily hosts Cabernet Sauvignon vines, alongside smaller blocks of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Commitment to organic farming practices, along with the guiding hand of David Abreu in the vineyard, has ensured its flourishing. Today, an in-house vineyard manager meticulously tends to their precious vines.
Levy & McClellan's approach to winemaking sets them apart from Napa Valley norms. Each year, their wines undergo barrel fermentation in new French oak barrels sourced from renowned cooperages, Taransaud and Djarnajou. The gentle rolling of barrels during fermentation enhances a symphony of color, tannin, and flavor complexity, resulting in a wine that remains unfined and unfiltered.
Levy & McClellan Ampersand
Levy & McClellan Ampersand is the estate's second wine, crafted with a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant base and possessing a small touch of Merlot. The wine is crafted with fruit from the same vineyard as the flagship, though it does not contain any Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. Further, Levy & McClellan Ampersand has been noted as a softer, more delicate alternative to the flagship, gaining praise from critics like Antonio Galloni, who has stated the Ampersand is "a more complete and striking wine than many top labels." At under $200 per bottle, Levy & McClellan is the perfect Napa value buy for collectors in search of an everyday drinker.
Levy McClellan: Napa Valley's Best-Kept Wine Secret
Levy & McClellan is the brainchild of two of Napa Valley's most esteemed winemakers, where exclusivity meets excellence. These elusive wines consistently earn accolades, often boasting scores between 95 and 100 points from the industry's foremost critics. The proof, of course, resides in the bottle, and discerning collectors and connoisseurs would do well to place these wines atop their wish lists.
If you're ready to indulge yourself and savor the exquisite offerings of Levy & McClellan, you're in luck. We've painstakingly sourced and secured these limited-production wines exclusively for your pleasure. It's time to make your wish a reality and experience the unparalleled craftsmanship of Levy & McClellan.
Who are Bob Levy and Martha McClellan?
Bob Levy and Martha McClellan are the husband-and-wife team behind Levy & McClellan. Bob Levy is widely known for his role at Harlan Estate, BOND, Promontory, and The Napa Valley Reserve. Martha McClellan has worked at Harlan Estate and later became winemaker at Sloan Estate and Blankiet Estate.
Is Levy & McClellan considered a Napa cult wine?
No, Levy & McClellan is not considered a Napa cult wine due to the boutique-sized vineyard and production. However, proprietors Bob Levy and Martha McClellan have crafted some of Napa's most notable cult wines.
What is Levy & McClellan best known for?
Levy & McClellan is best known for producing ultra-rare Napa Cabernets from a small hillside estate vineyard above Calistoga. The winery is led by Bob Levy and Martha McClellan, two of Napa Valley’s most respected winemaking figures, with deep ties to Harlan Estate, BOND, and Sloan Estate, amongst others.
Why are Levy & McClellan wines so rare?
Levy & McClellan wines are rare because they come from a very small estate vineyard and are produced in extremely limited quantities. The estate vineyard is only about six acres, and the wines are typically sold out upon release to mailing list members.
