Vineyards
Sourcing our Grapes
Bella Vista Vineyards, Calistoga, California
Perched 1200 feet above the valley floor within a picturesque setting in the rolling hills of Calistoga is Bella Vista Vineyards. Straddling the Napa and Sonoma county line along an old tractor path through the Chardonnay Vineyard, AuburnJames has harvested much of its premium Chardonnay and Cabernet fruit from several of the hillside Napa Valley blocks. The topography provides each with a unique signature within the Calistoga terrior. Many of these vines were planted in 1974 and have secured themselves water and nutrients from deep roots penetrating many layers of earth. Truly a breathtaking place where some of the best fruit in the Napa Valley is grown!
DBIC Vineyards, Yountville, California
At the center of the valley floor, Yountville is known for its cuisine, its hospitality, and its fruit. It is the place where several of AuburnJames' signature varieties are harvested. Albeit relatively small percentages in some AuburnJames’ wines, but wonderful varieties like Merlot and Malbec that provide a winemaker with additional hues on his winemaking pallet. With options like these he can paint his blend. Jim makes use of the Yountville varieties to take AuburnJames' Bordeaux style blends to their full potential. For the club, Jim also reserves several barrels of each of these so that the purity of the varietal can be better understood and enjoyed. These are usually available to taste in the Cottage and serve to provide a point of reference for those that want to get a deeper appreciation of what Jim has crafted within the blend for that vintage.
Raywood Vineyard, Napa, California
Nestled on the southeast facing hillside of a hollow in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley, the Raywood Vineyard produces only Cabernet Sauvignon and yields about 10 tons of fruit annually. Early morning sunshine gives way to filtered rays in the late afternoon. Two distinct harvests occur annually at the Raywood vineyard; The hillside and the hollow. AuburnJames typically selects fruit from both harvests with which it has created several vintages of Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet as well as its Napa Valley blends. Raywood is just a gem of a vineyard from which only a very limited production can be bottled annually. Typically the Raywood production is reserved for club members only, but at the Tasting Cottage, these wines can be tasted in concert with the other single vineyard designate Cabernets taking our guests on a trip through the Napa Valley. Join the club and take home some wonderful Napa Cabernet!
Reverance Ranch Vineyard, Coombsville, California
Southern Napa produces some of the most desirable Cabernet grapes in all of California. The Reverance Ranch Vineyard is no exception. AuburnJames first released the Reverance Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon with the 2010 vintage. Our members can enjoy barrel tastings at club events annually between harvest and the release.
Other Small Independent Growers
AuburnJames icontinues developing relationships with small independent growers in Napa Valley and in other California AVAs. Matt & Jim are continually looking for the best fruit in the region. These new partners will be announced during the release of future vintages. We are very excited with what we have experienced thus far from the barrel room tastings and we believe that our club members will be very pleased as well!