Brion Winery is on Sleeping Lady Vineyard in the Yountville AVA - a stone’s throw from Dominus and a vineyard of increasing popularity among winemakers like Philippe Melka and Benoit Touqette. And while the history of the vineyard spans back decades, this winery and experience is brand spanking new as of 2020.
I first came to know Sleeping Lady through Chris Phelps and his wine Ad Vivum which is sourced exclusively from the vineyard. Chris' intimate experience with the vineyard stems back to the 1990's when he and 5th generation farmer Larry Bettinelli (who had the long lease on Sleeping Lady) began experimenting with the vineyard. Over the years, and after a few decades of tinkering with various trellising systems, clones, and farming techniques, the vineyard proved to be something truly remarkable. Chris made the very first single vineyard labeled wine from Sleeping Lady, and soon thereafter interest from other vintners poured in.
But a few years ago when the vineyard went on the market, the Bettinelli's found a partner in Brion Wise who teamed up with them to finally purchase the Sleeping Lady Vineyard along with the building's on the property. Today the vineyard is still farmed by the Bettinelli’s and while Chris has no involvement in the Brion project, he does (as well as a few others) still make wine from the vineyard.
As for Brion, the project is focusing on 4 single-vineyard site wines made 3 different winemakers. It's an unusual approach to be sure, but one i think makes a lot of sense. The Moon Mountain AVA wine is made by Massimo Monticelli (of Silver Oak fame), the Oakville Ranch and Caldwell vineyard wines are helmed by Mark Herold (Merus), and the Sleeping Lady Vineyard wine is under the care of Julien Fayard. All of the wines are made at Brion on the Sleeping Lady Vineyard and guests can enjoy a side by side lineup of them when visiting to see each of their personalities shine.
I'm pleased to see this hallowed ground get itself a proper winery and stewards who are passionate about making terroir-driven wines from these different sites.
No surprise this is a no-expense spared endeavor so prepare yourselves for a pricier experience and a per bottle price of $225+. By appointment only - email below for a reservation:
inquire@brionwines.com
brionwines.com
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