Rocca Family Vineyards
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel"
Yountville AVA
Auction 22 | Lot No. 220
Vintage: 2016
Rocca Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville
5 cases produced
Highlights
- 100% estate grown Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, CCOF certified and organically farmed
- Our winemaker’s favorite barrel of 2016, from the vineyard’s most beautifully expressive vines
- Meticulously handpicked, cluster and berry sorted; uninoculated, unfined and unfiltered
- Aged 20 months in barrel number 33: a new Darnajou Château Ferrée, medium-plus toast
Description
Exclusively for Premiere Napa Valley 2018, Dr. Mary Rocca and her husband, Dr. Eric Grigsby, asked esteemed winemaker Paul Colantuoni to create 60 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon from his single favorite barrel of the 2016 vintage. The result is the Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel. This one-of-a-kind wine is the purest possible expression of the Rocca family’s Grigsby Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley: 100% estate grown, certified organically farmed Cabernet from the oldest, most beautifully expressive vines on the property. They meticulously handpicked and hand-sorted the clusters, gently destemmed the grapes, then sorted the individual berries again for absolute perfection. They added nothing to the grapes, allowing them to ferment exclusively with the vineyard's own indigenous yeasts, and bottled the wine without any fining or filtration after 20 months of aging in Paul’s carefully selected tight-grain French oak barrel No. 33. This gorgeously concentrated, exquisitely structured, uniquely delicious creation is a Napa Valley classic that is sure to be a treasured addition to any cellar.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Organically produced (also commonly called "organically grown")
Paul Colantuoni
Winemaker, Rocca Family Vineyards
Rocca Family's esteemed winemaker, Paul Colantuoni, has had an exciting international career. Paul broke into the business in Napa Valley, where he worked with Robert Mondavi Winery and Neyers Vineyards. He then spent several years in Europe, honing his talents at Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and with Brancaia in Maremma on the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany. Paul returned to Napa Valley in 2006, and is now focused on crafting world-class artisanal wines for Rocca Family.
Paul brings a strong scientific background to his craft, having studied Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biology at Princeton University until his senior year, when he changed majors to Italian and set his sights on a career as a winemaker. Paul's remarkable creative talents were inspired and refined by years of working with such renowned figures as Ehren Jordan, Bruce Neyers, Frederic and Daniel Brunier, and Carlo Ferrini.
Country born: United States
Education: Princeton University - Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, and Italian
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Our winemaking philosophy is focused on fully realizing the potential of our beautiful estate vineyards. We strive to express their signature qualities as faithfully as possible, by organically growing the very best possible grapes and then staying out of their way with an emphatically non-interventionist approach in the winery.
Meritage Wine Market
162 South Rancho Santa Fe Road Suite A-10
Encinitas CA 92024
760-479-2500
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Meritage Wine Market:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morlet Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Le Fabuleux Franc | 23 (2019) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 22 (2018) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel | 22 (2018) |
| Spoto Family Wines | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Cession | 22 (2018) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Arrow&Branch | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane & Oakville Ranch | 20 (2016) |
| Barbour | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend | 20 (2016) |
| Chateau Boswell Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Coup De Foudre Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Lightning Bolt | 20 (2016) |
| Freedom Estate Wine | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Hiatus Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | THE FOUNDATION | 20 (2016) |
| Kale Wines | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Broken Axle | 20 (2016) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Doctor & the Bandit | 20 (2016) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, Ermitage Troncais | 19 (2015) |
| Davis Estates | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Phase V | 19 (2015) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Doctor's Orders | 19 (2015) |
| Memento Mori | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | RTL | 19 (2015) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Renteria Wines | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Beller Bench Blend | 19 (2015) |
| VinRoc Wine Caves | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Coyote's Howl | 19 (2015) |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Franc | Howell Mountain | Block 7 Upper Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Astrale e Terra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Block 6/7 | 18 (2014) |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, St. Martin Grande Reserve | 18 (2014) |
| Bennett Lane | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Croze | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Upper Block | 18 (2014) |
| Spoto Wines | 2012 | Malbec | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Sullivan Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 18 (2014) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Crown Jewel | 18 (2014) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | THE MONEY BARREL | 18 (2014) |
| V12 Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Twelve | 18 (2014) |
| ADAMVS | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Block 1 Lower | 17 (2013) |
| Bennett Lane | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 17 (2013) | |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Caspar Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 17 (2013) | |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Wild Layla | 17 (2013) |
| Coho | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Combination of the Two | 17 (2013) |
| Mario Bazán Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Porter Family Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Coombsville | Duet | 17 (2013) |
| Arietta | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Against the Grain | 16 (2012) |
| Barbour Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend III | 16 (2012) |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | The Sun and The Moon | 16 (2012) |
| Oberon Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Elevations | 16 (2012) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2009 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | Elivette's Sister | 16 (2012) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 2010 TOR Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon | 16 (2012) |
| Twomey Cellars | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | SoCaRaNa | 16 (2012) |
| Buoncristiani Family Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | JAMN Black & Blue Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Continuum Estate | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | OVX vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| HALL | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Sacrashe Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Kenefick Ranch Winery | 2008 | Red Wine | Calistoga | Pickett Road Red | 15 (2011) |
| Longfellow Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Vineyard Select | 15 (2011) |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Hayne Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Terra Valentine | 2009 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | 15 (2011) | |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2008 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo IV | 14 (2010) |
| Bennett Lane | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Calistoga Appellation Lot | 14 (2010) |
| Elyse Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 (Heart Block) | 14 (2010) |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Stephanie Selection | 14 (2010) |
| Husic Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 14 (2010) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Selección Herrera | 14 (2010) |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo III | 13 (2009) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | First Born | 13 (2009) |
| Etude | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 13 (2009) |
| Page Wine Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Your Personal Stash | 13 (2009) |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Ultimate High | 13 (2009) |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Versant Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2007 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 13 (2009) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Carpignano Vineyard | 11 (2007) |
| Fantesca Estate and Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 10 (2006) | |
| Reynolds Family Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 10 (2006) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50% | Yountville | Temptress | 10 (2006) |
| ZD Wines | 2005 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Haire Vineyard 667 | 10 (2006) |
| Bennett Lane | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 9 (2005) | |
| Chappellet Winery and Vineyard | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Miner Family Winery | 2003 | 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 75%/ Petit Verdot 25% | Oakville | 9 (2005) | |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2002 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 25th Harvest Cuvee | 8 (2004) |
Winery Distribution
Rocca Family Vineyards is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.