Tusk Wine

“Bagging an offering from Tusk would be as rare a trophy as the woolly mammoth that graces the Tusk label” - Wine Spectator

First released in 2008, Tusk Estates is the brainchild of an eclectic trio in Napa Valley- Tim Martin, branding and marketing guru, Michael Uytengsu, heir to a family food empire, and Philippe Melka, star winemaker behind numerous, iconic Napa cult wines. Set in the Oakville and Pritchard Hill AVA's in Napa Valley, Tusk Estates is an ultra-boutique winery producing only 200-300 cases of Bordeaux-style blends. As the flagship cabernet sauvignon and second-label Tusk L'Orange wines continue to draw intrigue from wine enthusiasts, the trio continues to keep the estate mysterious, subdued, and everlasting.

Big Beginnings for Tusk Wine

Started in 2007, the trio behind Tusk Estates came together with one goal in mind to produce Napa Valley's top red blend. As Michael Uytengsu spearheaded the project, he brought his love of wine and experience in the food business to the estates. As part of his family's food business like Cheez-It crackers and Keebler Foods, Uytengsu was well-equipped to break into the wine industry but needed the help of a few friends. In stepped Tim Martin, a business development professional behind Napa wineries like Lail Vineyards and Melka Wines. Last, but not least, arrived Philippe Melka, one of wine's most legendary figures. With a background at esteemed Bordeaux estates like Cheval Blanc and Haut-Brion, and Napa cult wineries such as Dominus and Bryant Family, Melka was the final piece missing.

Tusk Estates: Exceptional Red Blends

Tusk Estates produces two labels in their portfolio- Tusk Cabernet Sauvignon and Tusk L'Orange wine. Each is not produced each year, with only top vintages making the cut for public consumption. The estate's latest release for the flagship bottle was the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon bottle, with 600 cases made. Furthermore, the L'Orange bottle was last released in 2022 with only 450 cases released.

Tusk Vineyard: Napa Valley's Prime Terroir

With five different vineyards set on Napa Valley's hillsides in Oakville and Pritchard Hill, Tusk wines are filled with seductive aromas, deep complexity, and built to last for decades in a cellar. With limited production, each bottle is sure to be the team's finest effort. Two sorting selections are completed after harvesting the grapes, ensuring only the best grapes are used in the final bottling. After fermentation, the wines are barrel-aged for 30 months in new French oak before its final release.

As a result, each bottle of Tusk wines is rich, deeply concentrated, and made for long-term aging. Philippe Melka's incredible vision is all over these bottles, quickly rising to the top of Napa collectors' lists. 

Add Tusk Wine To Your Cellar

As one of Napa Valley's rarest and scarcely-produced fine wines, gems from Tusk Estate are a prize like none other. Sure to be some of the most age-worthy and refined Napa red blends you will taste, these bottles are screaming for a place in your cellar. Choose from the Cabernet Sauvignon main label or the L'Orange bottles - each choice is a brilliant one.