Mayacamas: Esteemed Past, Bright Future

A decade into new ownership, this historic property is primed to reach new heights

Vineyards of Mayacamas on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley
Mayacamas’ vineyards on Mount Veeder sit above the fog line, resulting in warmer mornings and cooler afternoons. (Leigh-Ann Beverly/Bonafide Productions)

Most vineyards are easy to get a handle on. You can stand in the middle of them and turn around in a 360-degree circle and it all splays out before you. You see slope and aspect. You see the viticultural approach. You kick the dirt. You feel the prevailing breeze. You quickly get a feel for the place.

Great vineyard sites don’t give up their secrets that easily. After a recent visit and vertical tasting, senior editor James Molesworth says Mayacamas, on Napa Valley’s Mount Veeder, is one of them. Read his full report, including scores and tasting notes for 21 wines dating to 1968!

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