Nestled in the northern reaches of Napa Valley, Levy & McClellan is a small but mighty estate led by the masterminds behind Harlan and Sloan, two iconic properties. Robert Parker 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.
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 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 shined at Blankiet Estate, where she led three exceptional vintages from 2006 to 2008.
A Unique Approach in the Valley
In 2004, after years of crafting exceptional wines at their respective estates, Bob and Martha made the decision 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's initial set-up and management 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.
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, hard-to-find wines consistently earn accolades, often boasting scores between 95 and 100 points from the industry's foremost critics, including Robert Parker's accolades of "first-growths" and "world-class." 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 finally 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.
