I spent this morning with a new Napa Valley producer you have not likely heard about. The winery is called Seven Stones and is owned by Ron and Anita Wornick. I was met at the impressively sited winery (tucked in the hills of the Meadowood Resort) by Ron along with his winemaking team of Aaron Pott and Roy Piper. Wornick has an interesting background as an influential food scientist whose company was selected by the US military to produce the MRE (meals, ready to eat) that revolutionized food delivery in the field. Additionally over the last thirty years he and Anita have developed one of the most important contemporary craft collections in the world.
Aaron Pott is a deliberate and precise winemaker. After graduating from UC Davis he worked at Newton with John Kongsgaard. While there he met the internationally acclaimed wine consultant, Michel Rolland who helped him get his first head winemaking positions in France of all places; first at Troplong Mondot, then at La Tour Figeac where he learned old world style winemaking before returning to the US after six years. I first met Aaron in 2003 when he was at St. Clement and was impressed by his initial efforts there. In 2004 he moved to Quintessa as Winemaker and General Manager. In 2007 he left to begin his own brand but still consults for a small number of labels including Blackbird, Fisher and Quintessa.
We walked the entire property from bottom to top while Aaron pointed out the miniscule sized blocks, one of which looked no bigger than a couple hundred vines. Purchased as a raw, undeveloped 45 acre parcel from one of the original Meadowood investor plots in 1995 it took the Wornicks years to clear the property of the volcanic rocks that yielded postage stamp size blocks for their home, winery and vineyards. The first vines were planted in 1996. Most of the property is still rootstock but there was enough fruit in 2005; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to form a 50/50 blend with the renowned Thorevilos fruit from David Abreu. Eventually the plans are for no more than 400 cases of Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Vinfolio is honored to be the first retailer to offer this very limited production wine.
2005 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon VF 95 $175 The Premiere Release
AVAILABLE SOON AT VINFOLIO
The nose is full of an unbelievable amount of sun-warmed mountain blackberry, vibrant cassis and cherry. The palate begins with a loamy smoothness that continues to develop more underlying complexity with air. During my 45 minutes of tasting, essences of beautifully polished kirsch-like cherry, allspice, blue plum, vanilla and blueberry emerge to weave across the palate. Drink 2008 - 2016 Production is 235 cases and is primarily to mailing list only.
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