The notion of single vineyard wines arises from vineyard distinctiveness so singular, so bold, that you feel compelled to express its near-human personality. When Nature gives you greatness, embrace it, enfold it, expose it.
The fame of the Napa Valley was initially locked into place by the Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignons of Beaulieu and Inglenook, wines that have proven their individuality for more than a century. The ripe plum and olive of the Rutherford Dust is a given to lovers of wine worldwide. At Hewitt Vineyard, those characters are brought together with a rare and resplendent elegance.
Chalone Wine Group (CWG), eager to add a top Napa Valley Cabernet property to their Chardonnay- and Pinot Noir-rich portfolio, jumped on the chance to acquire Hewitt Vineyard when it became available in February of 2000. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," says Tom Selfridge, president of CWG. "When I was winemaker at Beaulieu from 1973 to 1983, I had the chance to make wine from Hewitt Vineyard, working with mentor Andre Tchelistcheff, who knew more about Rutherford Cabernet than anyone in the world. I knew first hand this vineyard's exceptional quality. So, 30 years later, I couldn't believe my good fortune to be reunited with this site."
One of Napa Valley's premier independent growers is Andy Beckstoffer. As president of the Rutherford Dust Society, Beckstoffer notes, "Vineyards like this seldom change hands, they are so coveted. This is truly a special treasure. The acquisition of this vineyard clearly puts the Chalone Wine Group at the highest level of making Napa Valley Cabernet from this prized region."
