John Anthony Vineyards

20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration Auction Lots

 

In benefit of 

 

Lot #1- The BEST-JaM BottleRock!

Have the BEST-JaM weekend at BottleRock Napa Valley 2024, thanks to John and Michele!

A Pair of 3-day (always sold out) Platinum Passes 

• Includes festival parking, elevated viewing, Platinum Lounge with daily complimentary tasting programs, Skydeck and VIP access, and artist meet and greets. 
• VIP Access to the invitation-ONLY JaM Cellars JaMPad at the festival
• Shaded, up-close-and-personal pop-up performances with Butter bar and cocktail service.
• Access for two to the exclusive JaM Cellars’ unofficial BottleRock after-parties, downtown Napa for wines, bites, live music, DJ, and dancing ‘til late.

Value: $15,000 (This is a package money can’t buy—except for tonight!!)
 

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Lot #2-  Church Vineyard Dinner for Eight, with Driver

In celebration of 20 years of heritage, winegrowing, and winemaking, enjoy the ultimate Napa Valley Vineyard dinner party for eight, hosted by John Anthony Vineyards and ALTA Luxury Transportation.

• Collected by private luxury Mercedes Sprinter courtesy of ALTA Luxury Transportation, you and your guests will be whisked away to invitation-only Church Vineyard in the quiet rolling hills of Carneros.
• Greeted with La Dame Michele sparkling, enjoy a private tour of the hidden-gem Church Vineyard estate and historic remodeled church set on 4 acres of Sauvignon Blanc vines. 
• Enjoy an intimate, private dinner service for eight guests paired with John Anthony Vineyards current releases and library selections. This Michelin-caliber culinary experience prepared by the winery chef, previously of The French Laundry, will feature passed appetizers, an amuse-bouche, and five seated courses. 
• At the end of the evening return to your Napa Valley residences in chauffeured luxury by ALTA. 

Value: $8,000
 

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Lot #3 - Caviar & Bubbles Reception

John Anthony’s new partnership with sister-founded and run The Caviar Co. combines two of Michele’s favorite treats—La Dame Michele sparkling together with the sublime delicacy of creamy and decadent caviar. With locations in San Francisco and Tiburon, Petra and her sister Saskia are on a mission to bring unsurpassed and sustainable caviar collections to the Bay Area.

In celebration of John Anthony’s 20th anniversary year and the perfect pairing of caviar with La Dame Michele, your group will enjoy a mid-week caviar and bubbles reception at the Tiburon Champagne and Caviar Lounge. Thank you to The Caviar Co., we can’t think of a better reason for playing hooky…

• Party of up to 15 people Caviar & Bubbles Reception. 
• Wednesday or Thursday at The Caviar Co. Lounge, downtown Tiburon. 
• Selection of passed canapes and caviar bar.
• La Dame Michele by John Anthony will be sabered and poured.

Value: $7,000
**Valid through December 31st 2023.
 

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Lot #4- Platinum Perfection by Padis

John and Michele have known the Padis family for many, many years. Known for their exquisite fine jewelry and passion for precious metals and diamonds, Padis has designed a unique piece of platinum jewelry in celebration of John Anthony’s platinum anniversary. The winner of this lot will be in elite company as one of only three owners of this commemorative design.

• Stunning hand-crafted platinum chain. 
• Unique platinum wine glass pendant.
• Wine glass pendant filled with 20 natural, conflict-free, micro diamonds.

Plus celebrate owning this gorgeous necklace with the 2017 La Dame Michele Single-Vineyard Blanc de Blanc magnum (1.5L) and branded LDM saber. Our deep thanks and love for the Padis family, their craft, and this beautiful donation to the V Foundation.

Value: $5,000

20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration - Tonight's Event

Welcome to The Mansion for our 20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration - we're delighted to have you with us! 

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Downstairs: 

Upon Entry: Sparkling Welcome
Featuring: 2017 La Dame Michele Blanc de Blanc

The Sitting Room: Celebratory Charcuterie Tower and Bites by Winery Chef, Logan. 
Featuring: 2020 Crane Vineyard Syrah, 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Dining Room: John Anthony Vineyards Ice Sculpture with Oyster and Caviar Bar
Featuring: La Dame Michele Blanc de Mélange, 2022 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Reserve Chardonnay

Patio: Outdoor Seating, Bocce, Firepits, & Bar
Featuring: La Dame Michele Blanc de Mélange, 2022 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, 2020 Crane Vineyard Syrah, 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

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Upstairs:

Chauffeur Room: Showcasing a Selection of Library Wines
Featuring: 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Card Room: Silent Auction - Benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research. 
Note: The silent auction will close promptly at 9:45pm - Don't miss out! 

• Lot #1: "The BEST-JaM BottleRock Weekend" from John and Michele
• Lot #2: "Church Vineyard Dinner for Eight, with Driver" from John Anthony Vineyards and ALTA Luxury Transportation
• Lot #3: "Caviar and Bubbles Reception for 15 with La Dame Michele" from The Caviar Co.
• Lot #4: "Platinum Perfection by Padis" from Padis Jewelry PLUS trunk show

The Billards Room: Bar featuring a selection of cocktails and John Anthony Wines
Featuring: La Dame Michele Blanc de Mélange, 2022 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 

Mansion's Attic: DJ Josh Dukes' Dance Floor w/ bars serving cocktails and wine.

Event Recording Notice: By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional and/or marketing materials. 

John Anthony 20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration—What to Expect

As we prepare to celebrate the first 20 years of John Anthony Vineyards, we wish to ensure that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Please review the below event highlights and logistics.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH | 8 P.M. TO 11 P.M.
THE MANSION
1005 JEFFERSON ST. NAPA, CA 94559

Receive your Platinum Celebration RFID wristband upon arrival. Simply tap to your phone for the evening's schedule of events highlighted below.

Attire:

Cocktail attire with a touch of platinum. For inspiration...

     

   

Parking and Transportation:

Charter transportation is highly recommended, please drop off on First Street west of Jefferson Street. Enter on First Street. Limited street parking, or garage parking at Clay Street Garage, 1401 Clay St. Napa, California 94559. (Private luxury transportation courtesy of ALTA Luxury Transportation with 10% discount for event guests. Please email dallas@javwine.com).

Partner Hotels:

Consider staying at one of our esteemed partner hotels. Enjoy the privilege of reduced room rates by using the links below. 

• The Andaz
• The Archer Napa
• The Estate Yountville

Evening Highlights:

We're excited and honored that you will be joining us. Below are some of the highlights we have arranged for the evening:

• Oysters and caviar by The Caviar Co., paired with La Dame Michele, Church Sauvignon Blanc, and Reserve Chardonnay.
• Charcuterie tower and bites prepared by Winery Chef Logan, paired with single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrah, and Merlot.
• Climb the oak staircase to find current, library, and reserve releases in the Chauffeur Room.
• Next door in the Card Room we have partnered with some good friends and partners to offer money can't buy experiences. Funds raised will go to support the V Foundation—a cause and organization very near and dear to us.
  • "The BEST-JaM BottleRock Weekend" from John and Michele
  • "Church Vineyard Dinner for Eight, with Driver" from John Anthony Vineyards and ALTA Luxury Transportation
  • "Caviar and Bubbles Reception for 15 with La Dame Michele" from The Caviar Co. 
  • "Platinum Perfection by Padis" from Padis Jewelry PLUS trunk show
• The Billiards Bar Room will serve cocktails and a selection of John Anthony wines bottlings. 
• Upstairs in the Mansion's attic, DJ Josh Dukes will be spinning tunes. Brief interlude at 10 PM to announce lot winners and hear from our hosts.
• And more...

We look forward to raising a glass of La Dame Michele with you in a toast to 20 years!

Spring has Sprung in Napa Valley—Celebrate the Season with John Anthony Vineyards

As the Spring season begins to emerge in Napa Valley wine country, we invite you to join us at John Anthony Vineyards to embrace the warming weather and the beauty of the blooming vines. Please join us.

Early winter storms brought heavy rainfall to the vineyards, replenishing the soil and setting the stage for abundant growth. The end of March brought the eagerly awaited bud break, signaling the beginning of another extraordinary growing season. Embrace Spring’s arrival with a curated experience at the stunning John Anthony Vineyards estate in Napa Valley.

Curated Tasting Experiences

The Single-Vineyard Tasting takes you on a journey through the nuanced terroirs of our Napa Valley estates. This immersive tasting showcases distinctive vineyard expressions across this region. Begin the tasting with the 2022 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp and vibrant opener that sets the stage for what's to come. Transition into the rich complexity of the 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, offering layers of orchard fruits and toasted brioche. Delve deeper into red varietals with the velvety 2020 Crane Vineyard Merlot, followed by the bold 2020 Crane Vineyard Syrah. The tasting reaches its crescendo with the 2019 Epps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, boasting a harmonious blend of savory berry compote and sweet pipe tobacco, and the structured elegance of the 2019 R/D Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, culminating in a memorable exploration of Napa Valley's finest single-vineyard wines.

A New Release From Jameson Canyon Vineyard

New this Spring, is the debut release of the John Anthony Jameson Canyon Vineyard Chardonnay. The 2022 Jameson Canyon Vineyard Chardonnay is characterized by rich orchard fruits, toasted hazelnut, and layered complexity.

Located in the cool-climate reaches of Napa Valley’s southern rolling hills just east of Los Carneros AVA, the historic Jameson Canyon Vineyard was acquired by John in 2021 and is renowned for producing iconic wines with refreshingly precise and powerful flavors. 

Be the first to experience this stunning, vineyard-designated, inaugural vintage of Jameson Canyon Vineyard Chardonnay, now available by the glass or bottle at the John Anthony Vineyards tasting lounge in downtown Napa. 

Unmissable Experiences

Adding to the list of unmissable experiences, we extend a warm invitation to save the date for two upcoming events featuring John Anthony set to take place in the upcoming Summer season.

Look for us at select events throughout the weekend at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen from June 13th to June 16th, 2024 as we celebrate one of the most prestigious culinary events in the United States, renowned for bringing together top chefs, winemakers, sommeliers, and food enthusiasts from around the world. 

Join us for the second dinner in our Quarterly Dinner Series. Hosted at the beautiful John Anthony Napa Valley estate, this intimate dinner is curated for a maximum of ten guests. This private dinner will include offerings previously sold-out selections, made available in very limited quantities from John’s private cellar. will feature passed appetizers, an amuse-bouche, and five seated courses paired with these wines. Following the sold-out February dinner, seize this rare chance to indulge in a gourmet culinary experience prepared by our Estate Chef, formerly of the French Laundry. 

Be the first to know about new releases and future events by subscribing to our mailing list. Taste these remarkable new releases in person by visiting the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa Valley. We look forward to hosting you. 

A New Era of John Anthony Syrah—Carneros Gap Vineyard

Napa Valley has gained widespread recognition for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, however the Valley’s diverse terroir fosters the growth of several powerful red wine varietals. Those in the know, seek out Syrahs made by John Anthony Vineyards.

The 2020 Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah was one of the single-vineyard gems in the 2023 Spring Release collection. Grown in a micro-estate vineyard adjacent to the home of John Anthony Truchard. This vineyard site is perched in a distinctive position in the rolling hills of Los Carneros, experiencing the direct influence of the wind and fog from San Pablo Bay. The cool climate allows for an extended growing season and highly concentrated flavor development in the grapes.

The first Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah vines were planted in 1996, allowing this pristine 5-acre block of vines to mature and flourish. The Syrah crop from this vineyard site is marked by small berries that impart notable structure and concentration yielding bold, opulent wines brimming with intense black fruit flavors and exceptional aging potential. 

This is evident in the inaugural vintage of the 2020 John Anthony Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah, which presents with deep garnet hues in the glass. The cool-climate aromas of briar fruit and cracked pepper are accentuated by notes of black cherry and graphite. A cellar-worthy vintage that delivers tightly wound tannins, with feathery breadth on the finish. 250 cases produced, only a few cases left. 

The esteemed Carneros Gap Vineyard will also be found in the John Anthony Reserve Syrah program, ushering in a new era for John Anthony Vineyards’ Syrahs.

Savor the newest 2021 vintage of John Anthony Vineyards’ Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah by reserving your seat at our Quarterly Wine Dinner on February 24, 2024, held at one of our estate vineyards. This dinner will feature John Anthony wines from our 2024 Spring Release with our wine education and hospitality team guiding you through an unforgettable culinary journey, We look forward to welcoming you.

Continuing the Legacy of John Anthony Vineyards

John’s heritage has always been rooted in Napa. As a second-generation vintner, each of his terroir-driven wines tells the story of his history in Napa Valley. This legacy is evident through our expansive portfolio of single-vineyard wines from Calistoga, Coombsville, Los Carneros, and Oak Knoll AVAs, all within the Napa Valley.

Following the celebration of John Anthony Vineyard’s 20th anniversary year, we strive to continue this legacy by diving into the rich, untapped potential of the undiscovered corners of this AVA, and expanding our diverse portfolio of Napa Valley wines.

Our notable collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines includes the Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, R/D Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, GnR Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Epps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Twisted Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and Calistoga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Each of these Cabernets reflect the unique characteristics of these vineyards, shaped by the soil and microclimates. This is strengthened by John’s selection of clones, rootstocks, trellising systems, and irrigation techniques. Every vintage reveals a new identity for these vines, influenced by weather patterns, and the winemaking techniques of that particular year.

Continuing the Legacy

As our younger vines begin to achieve maturity and complexity, we look forward to releasing additional wines from these burgeoning sites to share with The LIST and dedicated collectors alike. 

Joining the John Anthony Vineyards portfolio in 2024, a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Jameson Canyon. Located in Los Carneros at the southern border of Napa Valley AVA, Jameson Canyon is a historic estate, known for its cool climate with marine influence from its proximity to San Pablo Bay. Grapes from this incredible vineyard site have primarily been used in John Anthony’s Reserve Chardonnay program.

This single-vineyard, Jameson Canyon Chardonnay will become available following the John Anthony Vineyards 2024 Spring Release. Stay tuned for more details.

Expanding our Roots

As stewards of the land, the new year brings a fresh opportunity to craft unique narratives in every bottle. John is excited to work with the bounty Napa Valley provides, translating the nuances of the terroir into wines that tell the story of John Anthony’s heritage, winegrowing, and winemaking.

As a testament to the legacy that John has built over the past two decades and his enduring commitment to Napa Valley, we continue on our search to discover hidden gem vineyards throughout this incredible AVA. 

Be the first to know about new releases by subscribing to our mailing list. Taste these remarkable new releases in person by visiting the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa Valley. We look forward to hosting you.

A NEW BAR FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS

A NEW HIGH BAR FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS.

John Anthony Vineyard’s 20th anniversary year is coming to a close. We set the bar high with a year of special releases, memorable dinners, and outstanding events that celebrated two decades of heritage, wine growing, and winemaking.  Here’s a little look back…and a teaser of what to expect as John Anthony embarks on our next chapter.

MORE VINEYARD-DESIGNATED RELEASES THAN EVER

John has devoted over two decades to crafting Napa Valley wines—uncovering hidden gem estates, selecting the precise varietals and clones to grow there, and optimizing each growing season. Time, patience, and consistency have paid off. Our 20th-anniversary releases brought 16 new releases to the John Anthony portfolio, with a special focus on vineyard-designate bottlings—greatly expanding our Cabernet Sauvignon program. Tasting single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon side by side in the new “Cab is King” tasting experience, brings appreciation for this noble varietal to another level. We invite you to join us here in downtown Napa.

The 2023 Spring Release included eight releases, including the striking 2019 John Anthony GnR Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2019 John Anthony Epps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, an ultra-limited from the smallest of John’s Oak Knoll District vineyards. The 2023 Fall Release was followed by eight additional releases including the 2019 John Anthony Twisted Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2020 John Anthony Crane Vineyard Merlot, both vineyards in The Oak Knoll District that John has been farming for 20 years now. 

A GROWING SEASON WORTHY OF CELEBRATION

This year brought a long and bountiful growing season. An unusually wet winter and early spring brought ample vine development. The moderate spring and summer with few heat spikes allowed for a gradual and gentle ripening period. Each key indicator (bud break, bloom, and veraison) occurred approximately two to four weeks later than usual, setting the tone for an unusually late harvest. Both the quality and yields we’ve seen are exceptional across all our estates and we are beyond excited to craft these wines over the coming months and years to eventually release them as John Anthony’s 20th-anniversary vintage. 

HISTORIC DINNER CELEBRATIONS

The 20th anniversary year was filled with a series of incredible new events, including nine Michelin-caliber dinners hosted at the historic John Anthony Church Vineyards. These remarkable culinary experiences featured passed appetizers, an amuse bouche, and a five-course seated dinner paired with an array of library offerings, spanning back to the inaugural 2003 vintages. These special dinners allowed us to bring together loyal patrons and friends, many of whom have borne witness to the first 20 years of our evolution. We look forward to continuing these in 2024 and invite you to learn more.

PHILANTHROPY AND FUN

In gratitude for 20 years of making beautiful wines here in Napa Valley, we brought John Anthony wines from the Tasting Lounge to various events across the country in support of important causes, and special interests. It was a gift to meet up with current LIST members and share our wines with new communities. It is a program we plan to continue—please enquire with the John Anthony wine education and hospitality team. We hope to see you at many of these events next year too.

• BottleRock Napa Valley Platinum Lounge
• Collective Napa Valley Barrel Auction
• Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic
• V Foundation Wine Celebration
• Harvest STOMP
• One Mind Music Festival

In a stunning culmination of celebrations, we closed out the year with the John Anthony Platinum Celebration hosting LIST members, our friends, family, partners, and team at the historic John Anthony Mansion. A magical evening from start to finish with La Dame Michele poured alongside The Caviar Co., gourmet food pairings, library pourings, a silent auction, platinum desserts, and dancing until late. It was an incredible evening to remember and possibly repeat… Join The LIST to be assured an invitation. Learn more.

Please look forward to news on upcoming releases, new estate announcements, events, and experiences here in your inbox and on Facebook and Instagram.

Festivities at the John Anthony Tasting Lounge, Napa

Following a busy and successful harvest, the John Anthony team is ready to celebrate the season. Please join us.

Napa is especially festive this time of year—a bustling downtown lights up darker chillier evenings. The John Anthony Tasting Lounge in the heart of downtown becomes a destination for locals and guests to enjoy the Cabernet Season and the Holidays that grace this time of year. This year we have curated our portfolio of wines into three rich and festive experiences that celebrate our heritage, estate winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking:

Cab is King Tasting

Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned in Napa Valley. Two decades of dedication to this noble varietal has awarded John Anthony an exemplary collection of this “king of wines”—all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, small-lot, handcrafted wines. The Cab is King Tasting highlights the nuance of the vineyard and vintage Cabernet Sauvignon. First, enjoy a library “vertical” of Napa Valley AVA-designate Cabernets from the exceptional 2017 to 2019 vintages. This is followed by a “horizontal” flight of 2019 vineyard-designate Cabernets sourced from three of our estates from across the Valley.

Family of Wines Tasting

John Anthony Vineyards is the first label started by vintner, John Anthony Truchard. Venturing further afield to Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and Paso Robles, John sought out pockets of terroir to produce an expanded collection of releases. Weather Wines is a collection of Burgundian-varietal releases sourced from microclimates perfect for growing these sensitive and expressive grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wishlist was John’s first foray into Paso Robles—taking advantage of the bio-diverse terroir of the region with a rosé of Tempranillo and Syrah. The tasting begins with the 2021 Wishlist Rosé, Paso Robles—bright and fragrant. Next take a journey through the expansive Sonoma County AVA with Weather Wines: 2020 Weather Sonoma Coast Chardonnay; enjoy side-by-side 2020 and 2021 vintages of Weather Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; and finish up comparing the 2018 and 2019 Weather Chenoweth Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs.

Caviar and Bubbles

There are select pairings that are undeniably festive. John Anthony’s new partnership with The Caviar Co. takes this festive indulgence to new heights. Premier sustainable Kaluga hybrid caviar is presented decadently alongside the La Dame Michele sparkling wine program by John Anthony. A flight of three unique sparklings will be poured culminating in the ultra-limited, estate-grown 2017 La Dame Michele Single Vineyard Blanc de Blanc. Enjoy each luscious sip and bite paired with accoutrements to complement: A sidecar of kettle chips presented with house-made French onion dip garnished with fried shallots, pickled red onions, and onion powder. 

The John Anthony Vineyards Tasting Lounge is the only downtown Napa tasting lounge to stay open late daily, until 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Thursday through Saturday. Join us during the holiday season and experience the magic of the Holidays in Napa.

Napa Valley Harvest 2023: The Long Game

The John Anthony vineyard team is holding fast to a simple mantra this harvest season: “Late is great.”

The growing season here in Napa Valley started with an unusually wet winter giving the vines plenty of hydration to get them started. A moderately warm spring and summer followed with minimal heat spikes—giving the vines a slow and gentle ripening window. All the markers (bud break, bloom, and veraison) have been about 2-4 weeks later than usual and that’s also where we find ourselves this harvest season. John Anthony’s first picks of Chardonnay grapes for the La Dame Michele sparkling program didn’t start until mid to late September from the iconic Jameson Canyon. Our still whites—Sauvignon Blanc in historic Church Vineyard and Chardonnay in Carneros Gap followed in early October.  

“A long, slow ripening curve like this typically provides excellent physiological ripeness in the fruit, with the flavors, phenolics, and acidity all coming together nicely,” says Sander Scheer, John Anthony’s Director of Vineyard Operations. “The message from our winemaking team is that they’re excited about the flavors they’re tasting. The quality is absolutely there if you are patient.”

Cabernet Sauvignon occupies the core of the John Anthony portfolio, with six discrete vineyard-designate programs from this noble varietal. Later ripening by nature, our Cabernet harvest strategy is very much a waiting game, carefully monitoring each estate to pick at the perfect ripeness for the specific clone and each vineyard’s terroir. For this reason, we anticipate considerable harvest action starting in mid to late October, all of which will be done by hand and overnight when the grapes are cool. The Calistoga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon will likely be first, a testament to the northern valley’s warmer conditions. Our estates in the cooler Oak Knoll District will come later, with R/D and GnR vineyards likely being the last to be picked.

The longer the harvest season goes, the higher the chances of disruption by stormy weather. This is where John’s hard-earned farming expertise comes into play—no matter what Mother Nature brings; our team has the know-how to adapt and maneuver to the best possible outcome. For now, all things are pointing to a banner vintage for our Cabernet Sauvignons and other wines—a fitting reward for the patience and effort that got us here.

VINTAGE 2023 UPDATE: A Growing Season for the Ages

After a wet winter and cool spring, things are finally heating up across John Anthony’s Napa Valley estates. All signs are pointing to a later harvest and phenomenal grape quality.

The historic rains of 2023 have created healthy, vibrant vine canopies. Bud break and bloom came later than usual, while warm July weather helped keep cluster development on track. Additionally, veraison started a few weeks later than typical, with our Cabernet Sauvignon fruit just now starting to show color. If we extrapolate these trends into fall, we can expect an extended growing season with excellent hang time—especially if we can avoid any October storm fronts.

“If it unfolds as predicted, we will have an excellent vintage on our hands,” says Sander Scheer, John Anthony Vineyards Director of Vineyard.

The John Anthony vineyard team is staying busy as we head into the second half of summer. In late July, they spent considerable energy on the process of “leafing”—removing vine leaves to bring dappled sunlight into the fruiting zone. They are now carefully culling clusters from the vines in order to (1) create balanced yields; (2) remove under-ripe fruit; and (3) put the remaining fruit in position to fully ripen. 

These tasks require skill, intuition, and insight. Some decisions come down to judgment calls. This is where vintner John Anthony Truchard’s more than 30 years of Napa Valley wine-growing experience makes all the difference. He has assembled one of the most talented vineyard teams in the industry. 

The excitement for the 2023 vintage extends across our various estates, such as Church Vineyard, Los Carneros AVA; Coombsville Vineyard, Coombsville AVA; and R/D, GnR, Epps, and Crane Vineyards, Oak Knoll District AVA. 

With the rains replenishing the groundwater and reservoirs, we could not have asked for a better winter. As long as the weather stays steady, the later growing season will remain in our favor. For our Cabernet Sauvignons in particular–we believe that this could be a vintage for the ages. After 20­­ years, we remain in awe of what the incredible Napa Valley is capable of achieving.