The Corley Family’s Monticello Vineyards
Jay Corley began growing premium grapes in the Oakl Knoll region of Napa Valley in 1970. From humble beginnings, his family winery has grown to farm five vineyards in this revered valley. Over the years, four of Jay’s sons joined his adventure. Today, Kevin serves as Winegrower and President, Chris as Winemaker, Stephen as Director of Sales and Marketing, Kent leads special projects, and the third generation is stepping up.Sadly, Jay passed away in 2016.
“We believe that great wine begins in the vineyard,” says Stephen. “We own and manage our vineyards in one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world and from them we produce wines of singular quality and distinction. Our goal with our Vineyard Designate Series is to present as pure an expression as possible from each vineyard site. In 1982, we began purchasing Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard on State Lane in Yountville, and it quickly became the main source of fruit for our Corley Reserve. In the late 80s, we had the good fortune to acquire the vineyard. We replanted this 12+- acre site in the late ‘90s due to phylloxera. It is now certified organic and planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon Clone #337. The 2016 vintage fruit displayed great purity and intensity, which translated quite well through the finished wines.”
The family and their team members, some of whom have been with the winery for more than 30 years, would love to welcome you to their sustainably farmed and solar-powered wine estate.
The fabulous wines we featured:
2016 State Lane Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 94 Points, American Fine Wine Competition
- 93 Points, Wine Spectator
- 92 Points, Robert Parker
Tasting Notes: Savor wonderful aromas of dark blackberry, cassis, hints of vanilla, and undertones of sweet caramel. On the palate, the wine is bold upon entry, with characteristically robust tannins on the edges. The mid-palate is full, providing depth and a strong foundation. The finish is long and lingering, with a slight grip.
2009 Yewell Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
- Pairs with: “They pair well with smiles, laughter, civil conversation, good stories, and matters of the heart, but also with red meats, hearty dishes, dark chocolate, and certain strongly flavored cheeses," says Stephen.
- Only 25 cases remaining!
Tasting Notes: This wine is in a sweet spot of vibrant fruit and tertiary characteristics that only can develop with time and patience. The young, refined tannins have melted into a wonderfully smooth and velvety texture on the palate. Much of the deep berry fruit, plum, and blackberry from early in the wine’s life is still present, and there is a new layer of depth on the palate, with subtle tones of cedar, vanilla, and spice introducing themselves.
Winemaker's Notes
Our philosophy is one of 'sunshine to wine' in which our family directs all aspects of winegrowing and winemaking from the initial selection of the vineyard sites, planting, farming, harvesting, fermenting, and blending through to uncorking the wine for your enjoyment.
2016 State Lane Vineyard, Yountville Napa Valley Caberent Sauvigon: The estate State Lane Vineyard in the Yountville AVA of Napa Valley provided all the fruit. The climate allows for a long growing season, which contributes to the Cabernet grapes’ slow, even ripening. The vineyard is certified organic.
2009 Yewell Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Located at the northernmost end of Napa Valley, Yewell Vineyard lies between the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains. The radiating heat from the mountains creates a warm climate resulting in fruit that is full-bodied with ripe, dark-fruit flavors. The rocky, well-drained vineyard produces intense, small-berried clusters that produce similarly intense wines. Though 2009 had less-than-normal rainfall, its timing was on the vines’ side.
Napa Valley
Corley Family
Chris Corley