Press & Lifestyle

"In a region filled with traditional vineyards, High Ranch stands as a reminder that some of Napa Valley’s most exciting stories are still unfolding. Some are just getting started—grounded in history, shaped by science, and spread across four rocky acres overlooking one of the valley’s oldest volcanic landscapes."

High Ranch Vineyard has a winner right out of the gate.

On a 4.2-acre site perched on volcanic hillsides above the region’s signature morning fog, High Ranch Vineyard has exposure to intense sunshine that yields early-ripening and deeply expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The property has a view of the illustrious Kongsgaard “The Judge” Vineyard and similarly prized terroir, but greatness is being coaxed from the grapes grown from this site in its own right. Superstar Sam Kaplan has crafted a stunning first release for upstart winery, with its 2021 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon providing the perfect combination of vineyard sourcing and winemaking talent.

"High Ranch Vineyard has been building toward this moment for more than 15 years. That patience may be what is most compelling about this hillside estate. Long before their inaugural vintage earned a 99-point score from critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, Connie and Shawn Guttersen were studying the contours, soils, and exposures of their four-acre site above the Coombsville fog line, determined to understand the land before making a single bottle of wine."

"Coombsville is quickly becoming the premier Napa Valley appellation for sourcing Cabernet grapes, and this wine from a producer with vineyards there is just exceptional. It has dense, almost chewy, dark purple fruits, mainly creamy blackberries well accented by barrel notes and supple tannins and is almost granular in texture. Overall, it emphasizes balanced richness rather than complexity. It is one of the best bottles coming from winemaker Sam Kaplan, who also makes wine for Arkenstone, among others."

"Owned by longtime Napa residents Connie and Shawn Guttersen, High Ranch is poised to redefine the potential of the Coombsville region. The sloped, west-facing vineyard sits on an opposite hillside saddle adjacent to the famed Kongsgaard “The Judge” Chardonnay parcel on land that was once part of the historic High Ranch property. Its elevated exposure and stony, well-drained Hambright soils create a rare microclimate perched just above the Coombsville fog line."

High Ranch Vineyard’s inaugural 2021 cabernet sauvignon marks a striking Coombsville debut. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Sam Kaplan (known for his 100-point Memento Mori, among others), the wine reflects pristine, organically farmed terroir overlooking Kongsgaard’s famed vineyard. Produced in just 100 cases, it instantly places High Ranch among Napa’s elite.

Napa Valley’s High Ranch Vineyard has announced its inaugural release, a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. The limited-production wine is made by winemaker Sam Kaplan— known for projects like Memento Mori, Maxem, Vida Valiente, and Arkenstone—with oversight from Connie Guttersen, co-owner of the brand with her husband Shawn. High Ranch’s 4.2-acre Cabernet Sauvignon site in the Coombsville AVA overlooks the Kongsgaard “The Judge” Vineyard.

Napa Valley’s High Ranch Vineyard has announced its inaugural release, a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. The limited-production wine ($260 a 750-ml.) is made by winemaker Sam Kaplan—known for projects like Memento Mori, Maxem, Vida Valiente, and Arkenstone—with oversight from Connie Guttersen, co-owner of the brand with her husband Shawn. Just 100 cases of High Ranch 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon are available nationwide. For more information, visit Highranchvineyard.com.