ACCLAIM
The Vineyardist has achieved a perfect 100 Point score
This exceptional recognition comes from Jeb Dunnuck, protégé of Robert Parker Jr. Crafted with precision and unwavering dedication to perfection, this wine exemplifies the artistry and expertise of The Vineyardist’s winemaking team led by Tony Biagi.
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Calarcadia Vineyard is straight-up perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon, and I certainly couldn’t find anything it could do better. Incredible aromatics of black and blue fruits, smoked tobacco, dark chocolate, and hints of iron and minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a full-bodied, broad, expansive, multi-dimensional mouthfeel that is something to behold. . . this beauty has flawless overall balance, fine tannins, and a mammoth-sized finish. It reminds me of the 2009 Chateau Latour with its regal yet ripe, opulent, structured profile. It will blow you away.”
Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, February 2024
“The Vineyardist was named one of Napa’s Fifteen Leading Wineries by international wine critic Antonio Galloni and invited to attend 2022 Napa in the City (NYC). A very special Masterclass tasting was moderated by Mr. Galloni where The Vineyardist 2019 wines were presented to collectors and created an exciting, winning buzz.”
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, April 2022
“The Vineyardist is one of Napa’s hottest… new collectors’ wineries. The proprietors will put this secret place on the map. It is sensational: California rich but with a supple, European-balance profile.”
Richard Nalley, “Collector’s Confidential: Napa’s Next Wave Cult Wines” Forbes
“The Vineyardist wine is gorgeous. It’s top, top-flight, clearly world-class and should drink well for 20-25 years… This small, boutique operation represents seven acres of five vineyard blocks owned by Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola at an elevation of 800 to 1,375 feet on Diamond Mountain. The debut was 2009. The inaugural winemaker was Mark Herold, now followed by highly esteemed Tony Biagi (previously with high-level Plumpjack and Cade wineries). The vineyard management is under the supervision of Phil Coturri and Jim Barbour, two well-known names in Northern California. The wines are impressive, made from tiny yields. This is a fabulous new operation, very limited in production, but extremely high class and impressive.”
Robert Parker, Jr., “The Wine Advocate” Issue 228
“The Vineyardist is one the the most distinctive sites in all of Napa Valley. In just a short time, owners Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola have turned out a number of truly dazzling wines. The flagship wine is now called Cabernet Sauvignon Calarcadia Vineyard. All three vintages I tasted were superb, including the 2017, a wine from a very challenging year… The newer Heritage Ridge bottling is equally compelling. The 2018s are the first wines made here by Tony Biagi, and they are stunning.”
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
“The Vineyardist is one of those rare historical properties within Napa that often fly under the radar. With high standards for quality [vintners] Dirk and Becky decided to hold back five vintages (2004-2008) from commercial production. This wine brings both power and finesse to the bottle – power in the fruit and finesse in its structure.”
The Vineyardist, The Napa Wine Project
“The Vineyardist is 100% Cabernet, and it is a stunner… with a rock star nose of the deepest and perfectly ripe fruit… The wine embodies the nobility of Cabernet and the richness it gains from this distinct Napa Valley hillside.”
“The New Name Game: Latest Set of Cult Cabernets”, HiLuxury.com