When considering a list of the most noble terroirs in Napa Valley, Pritchard Hill is always near the top of my list.  Composed of compacted volcanic rock, with iron-red soils, the area has been hailed by some as as Napa’s Grand Cru.  Apex producers Chappellet, Bryant Family, Colgin, Continuum and David Arthur all call the area home.  A rapidly rising producer on Pritchard Hill is Gandona Estate.  The wines are expertly made by Philippe Melka, whose vast experience includes winemaking at Bryant Family, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, and Dominus… 

 

Encosta Cabernet remains a stunning value for Pritchard Hill. Carved into the steep terrain, the Estate vineyard was planted in small blocks, each with its own distinct personality.  The vineyard was planted by Jim Barbour, one of the absolute top viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like Hundred Acre, Grace Family and Barbour to list a few… The best Pritchard Hill wines are memorable with profound sense of place, balance and primal intensity.  Gandona’s Encosta has all of this and more, and it’s a fraction of the price of what you’d expect to pay for a great wine from this Iconic area.