Fess Parker Addendum - Cabernet Sauvignon / Stagecoach Vineyard

Nestled atop the Vaca Mountains directly adjacent to Pritchard Hill in the Atlas Peak AVA, Stagecoach Vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Napa Valley. Addendum officially sources from two Atlas Peak blocks that were planted in 1998 and span about 1.5 acres. Characterized by bright red, volcanic Hambright soils made up of a boulder-strewn clay loam, Stagecoach has been called “the last frontier of the Napa Valley” due to its wilder, more rugged terrain, fragrant with wild herbs and dotted with rare native plants.

Stagecoach Vineyard boasts altitudes ranging from 1,200-1800 feet above sea level, ensuring the entire vineyard is usually above the fog level. During the growing season, this site is characterized by long, warm, dry days and cool nights, with a steady breeze coming up from the valley, which provides a marine influence. The flavor profile resulting from Addendum’s Stagecoach blocks exudes classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 15) influence, with smaller berries that provide more concentration, firmer tannins and good acidity retention.

When deciding on vineyards for Addendum, winemaker Blair Fox knew immediately he wanted to work with these particular Stagecoach blocks, not only because of their well-draining soils, extreme southern hillside exposure, and nearly 20-year-old vines – but because of his previously established relationship with the vineyard and it’s original owner, Jan Krupp, while sourcing grapes for Epiphany’s Syrah program.