V12 Vineyards, located in Napa Valley, was established by former race car driver Jimmy Vasser, with its first vintage released in 2008. Vasser's connection to Napa began with an auto dealership he co-owned with his father, James, which they purchased in 1998. The vineyard spans 45 acres in the Vaca mountains, situated between the Stags Leap and Atlas Peak AVAs, and was acquired from Rob Mondavi in 2001. The vineyard is primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, and it underwent significant preparation to make the rocky hillside suitable for grape cultivation. The winery's name, V12, reflects both Vasser's racing background and the vineyard's structure, featuring four blocks with four clones on four rootstocks. The winemaking team includes Chad Alexander, who has been crafting the wines since 2010. V12 produces a range of wines, including a Chardonnay sourced from Carneros and several Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, each showcasing distinct flavor profiles and aging potential. The tasting experience emphasizes the quality and character of the wines, with a focus on the unique terroir of the vineyard.
When to go
Good to know
Find them
Napa, CA, United States of America