2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
This one-of-a-kind wine is 100 percent estate grown from famed retired race car driver Danica Patrick’s idyllic Howell Mountain property, situated at 1,300 feet. Our organically grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vineyards face west and southwest and benefit from maximum sun exposure. The inky, concentrated structure of the wine is indicative of winemaker Aaron Pott’s style, which is rooted in being true to the climate and vines. This wine has been aged in 100 percent new French oak for 20 months. “I’m not trying to make the biggest wine in Napa Valley," says Danica. "It’s not about the density of tannins and weight of the wine, it’s about beautiful balance and elegance. My wines are also about creating an experience."
Winemaker, Somnium
Aaron Pott’s curiosity in wine began at the young age when he ordered a glass of milk in a venerable Parisian bistro. When the waiter responded—in halting perfect English—that “milk is for babies” and promptly produced a glass of watered down red, Pott realized that wine was a beverage of choice for adults and immersed himself in the world of wine trivia. Studying oenology at the University of California, Davis, Pott delved into all aspects of the theory of winemaking, including practical application by working part-time in the research laboratory at Robert Mondavi Winery. He completed his education with a master’s degree in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.
Pott immediately took the position of assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard, under winemaker John Kongsgaard. It was at Newton—under the wing of his first great mentor—that Pott would be introduced to Michel Rolland. At many tastings with Kongsgaard and Rolland (set up by legendary wine collector Dade Thieriot), Pott tried to convince Rolland to find him a job in France—pulling hoses around a dark cellar and working on his language skills. Rolland soon sent word that he had found the ideal position—winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion. Pott would thereafter become winemaker and general manager of Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion.
Pott worked for nearly six years making wine in France before returning to the States to take a position with Beringer Wine Estates. As a winemaker for the company’s international brands in France, Italy and South America, he had the pleasure to work with French winemakers Jean-Louis Mandrau, formerly of Château Latour and André Porcheret, whose resume included the Hospice de Beaune and Domaine Leroy. Pott’s duties expanded in 2001 as winemaker at St. Clement in St. Helena. In 2004, he accepted the position as winemaker and general manager at Quintessa.
In 2007, Pott formed Pott Wine dedicated to producing wines from different distinct terroir in the Napa Valley and Huis Clos Consulting working with a limited quantity of noble producers including Seven Stones, Blackbird Vineyards, St. Helena Winery, Adler Deutsch Vineyard, Greer Wine, Martin Estate, Perliss and professional driver Danica Patrick’s new project Somnium.
In 2012 Pott was elected Winemaker of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine.
Pott lives at his self proclaimed “Châteauneuf du Pott” vineyard estate on the dizzying heights of Mt. Veeder with his wife Claire and daughters Tosca and Isolde.
Country born: United States
Education: Undergrad UC Davis, Master’s Degree in Viticulture Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
Mentors: John Kongsgaard, Michel Rolland, Jean Louis Mandrau, André Porcheret
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Honors / Awards:
2012 Elected Winemaker of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine
First American to run a Grand Cru Classé Chateau
Winemaking Philosophy:
Discover the essence of the site and make a wine that perfectly expresses that site. We never concentrate, use additives and all the winemaking is organic.
Somnium Wine is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Somnium Wine Contact: Tracy Smith
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