Ad Vivum Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville 2016

You know the legendary names of Château Pétrus and Dominus, yes? Let me tell you a story of the man behind a single vineyard treasure here in the valley whose name is associated with both estates. Anyone who has tried any of his crafted wines knows why he has been receiving accolades from the wine industry's most famous critics. Napa's very own Karen MacNeil describes Chris as an "intrepid wine expert."; Forbes named Ad Vivum their 3rd wine out of 50, bested only by Harlan and Screaming Eagle; and Decanter named Ad Vivum as their 2nd best of 50. Chris also happens to be one of the kindest, most joyful, gentle, and humble human beings, and we have the honor of calling him our dear friend.
Chris has a rich history in Napa, steeped in some of the most memorable wines and vintages made in the valley, AND he has worked with some of the most celebrated winemakers in Bordeaux. After graduating from UC Davis in 1981 and a short stint at Louis M. Martini, Chris traveled to Bordeaux, where he serendipitously met Christian Moueix, whose family manages Château Pétrus. With encouragement from Moueix, Chris oversaw the 1982 vintage at Château des Laurets, where he met Jean-Claude Berrouet, the legendary winemaker behind 44 Pétrus vintages. Berrouet would become Chris' mentor for life and help launch his winemaking career into one for the history books. After Moueix noticed the unanimous praise for his hard work in Bordeaux, he asked him to return to Napa to be the first winemaker at the now-revered Dominus.

Chris remained at Dominus from the first vintage in 1983 through 1995, producing some of that era's finest, most celebrated wines. Today, wines from those vintages are still some of the best wines we’ve ever tasted from California, proving not only that Napa Cabernets produced in this classic style can age as gracefully as the first growths of Bordeaux. They also cemented Chris’ reputation by securing the lead for Caymus’ banner period between the late '90s and early 2000s. With the 2007 vintage, he launched his first-ever solo project under the name Ad Vivum. Chris knew it needed a name as impactful as the wine it represented - and that is where Mother Nature intervened. A personal experience in 2005 further drove his passion for life and winemaking. While hiking with a group of Boy Scouts in the Sierras, Chris was struck by lightning and lived to tell the story. AD VIVUM is a Latin play on the words 'AD' (meaning to go toward) and a cross between 'vivere' (to live) and 'vinum' (wine) 'VIVUM'.

Today, Chris and his son Josh (Grounded Wine Co.) collaborate on their family businesses. After tasting the library wines with Josh last week, I am reminded how highly passionate and talented they are, demanding excellence at every turn.

The Cabernet grapes for this wine hail from the illustrious Sleeping Lady Vineyard, which the Bettinelli family meticulously farms. Ad Vivum wines are true to the terroir, exhibiting aromas brimming with black cherry, cocoa nib, ripe cassis, black forest cake, leather, and anise. Each vintage promises to deliver a full-bodied, seductively rich, and velvety mouthfeel, balanced with a lift of acidity, structured backbone, silky tannins, and a lengthy, bright finish.