Chiles Valley Cabernet grapes are a recurrent source for many of Napa’s top producers. That’s because the area lies East of Rutherford at elevations ranging from 600-1200 feet, and it’s cooler than the Valley floor, providing ideal conditions for the grapes to retain their natural acidity. Wineries like Volker Eisele and Brown Estate have been making hits there for years, and Maxville, which burst on the scene in 2014, is positioning themselves to be at the top.

 

Maxville hired renowned winemaker Jean Hoefliger to give voice to their incredible Estate. Jean trained in Bordeaux and South Africa before working at powerhouse producers Hartford Court, Newton, and Alpha Omega. 

 

The Estate Vineyard was planted in 1974, and the almost half-century-old vines produce small yields of concentrated and intensely flavored fruit. Their highly distinctive terroir comes through with deep, expressive flavors, finely grained tannins and natural, fresh acidity. 

 

Retails at: $65