Terra Valentine

Hollywood location scouts would do well to follow the path of the Wurteles. Like many others, they knew exactly where they wanted to retire – the Napa Valley. Realizing their plan to start a small winery, they purchased the hidden-away Aves winery and hillside vineyards tucked away on Spring Mountain. They upgraded the electricity and plumbing of the 1970 native stone winery but kept stained glass, carved wood, and unique cast iron spiral staircases intact. In 1999 they acquired the adjacent 80-acre Yverdon Vineyard. With Angus’ Stanford Business School degree and a 34-year career with his family business, Valspar Corporation, and Margaret’s experience in writing, publishing and philanthropy, the couple is well-suited for the venture. Together with winemaking team of Sam Baxter and Haley Wight they concentrate on Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon along with Cal-Ital blends and Pinot Noir.

Though the Spring Mountain Cabernet is polished and elegant with very fine tannins, and an excellent value, the Wurtele Vineyard could easily sell for twice the price. Full bodied and dry with notes of pine, berry, cassis, poivre vert, picholine olive, mint tea and vanillin, it is smooth and supple with vibrant varietal expression and a long, expressive finish.

Reviewed September 29, 2006 by Catherine Fallis.