Winemaker of the Year
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE AND FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE
Since the 2003 founding of their winery, Steve and Jill Matthiasson have practiced viticulture and enology in a style that made them one of the earliest proponents of ‘new California winemaking’. They have also demonstrated that the human component of winemaking extends far beyond the winemaker.
Steve’s notoriety as one of the United States’ most intuitive viticulturists and most sought-after vineyard managers speaks to his continued forward momentum of working cleanly in his vineyards and encouraging others to do the same.
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The Linda Vista Vineyard is just across the creek behind the Matthiasson's house. The West Oak Knoll area where they live is one of the classic Chardonnay spots in Napa—Chardonnay from just behind them won the famous Paris tasting in 1976. The 25-year old vines were originally planted by Beringer. The cool winds off the San Pablo Bay bring acidity and freshness, while the Napa sun gives flesh and ripeness.
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Featured Wines
Linda Vista Chardonnay
2021
“Pale, lively and so different! Bone dry with great tension. A bit of skin contact? But not excessively so. Really vital and energising.”
17 points, Jancis Robinson MW
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2019
“Blackcurrant, as if that wasn't inevitable, plus a rather granitic aroma on the nose. Not too heavy, not too oaky, but the fruit is loud and clear – Napa with nuance, and it is really charming. Soft enough tannins to drink now, and gently persistent. It's savoury but not at all austere, and has something almost Tuscan in its crunchiness. Very classy.”
17+ points, Janicis Robinson MW