John Jay
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
After moving out to California from his hometown of Chicago, our dad, John "Jay" Corley, received his MBA from Pepperdine in the late 1960s. His thesis was, "How to Start a Winery in the Napa Valley." Within a few years, he crossed out ‘thesis’ and wrote in ‘business plan.' After many visits to Napa Valley in the late 1960s, he found his site in the Oak Knoll District nested appellation, at that time a gnarly old prune orchard, at the end of dirt driveway, bordered by gigantic black walnut trees. Where most just saw it for what it was, Jay recognized it as an opportunity for a world class vineyard and winery. In 1970, he broke ground on his vision, and our family winery was born. More than 50 years later, we're carrying on with his vision and strategy. This unique single-vineyard, single-barrel offering is a tribute to Jay's vision. Cheers to you, Dear Ol' Dad!
Winemaker, Maroon Wines
I worked at my family's winery in the summers as a teenager, and began full time in the cellar shortly after graduating high school. The 2010 harvest was my 20th at Monticello Vineyards in Napa Valley. I also make wine for a handful of small Napa Valley producers and have been making wine in the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico for the last four vintages.
Country born: United States
Education: I didn't go to college, choosing rather to learn my craft from the winemakers above and around me through an apprenticeship of 10 years in my family's winery, Monticello Vineyards.
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Honors / Awards:
The greatest honor that I have received is from my family, entrusting me with making the wines that carry our Corley Family name.
Winemaking Philosophy:
The best wines are a combination of respectful grapegrowing and determined winemaking. I listen to the grapes in the field but command the wines in the cellar.
Winemaker, Monticello Vineyards
I worked at my family's winery in the summers as a teenager, and began full time in the cellar shortly after graduating high school.
Country born: United States
Education: I didn't go to college, choosing rather to learn my craft from the winemakers above and around me through an apprenticeship of 10 years in my family's winery, Monticello Vineyards prior to taking over as head winemaker. I find that the more I learn, the more questions I have. Educating ourselves is lifelong commitment and pursuit.
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Honors / Awards:
The greatest honor that I have received is from my family, entrusting me with making the wines that carry our Corley Family name.
Winemaking Philosophy:
The best wines are a combination of respectful grapegrowing and determined winemaking. I listen to the grapes in the field but command the wines in the cellar.
Monticello is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Monticello Contact: Chris Corley
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