601 Cellars

by | Mar 24, 2021

601 Cellars

601 Cellars began as a dream, was fueled by a passion and ultimately became a reality for us when we stumbled upon an opportunity to acquire a modest allotment of grapes in 2015.

THE DREAM
As avid lifestyle travelers, foodies and wine lovers, we were planning our itinerary for a trip to Tuscany in June 2001.  Upon our arrival in Florence, enamored by the romance of the city, we snuck off and eloped.  Enjoying the rest of our vacation as new husband and wife, we fell in love with the warm embrace of the countryside, the comfort of the food and the passionate spirit of the people.  We explored and savored the regional wines, particularly the various expressions of Sangiovese. One evening after a sumptuous meal overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, we made another commitment; This was the ultimate life, and one we wanted to share.

Over many years commuting from East to the Bay area, we purchased a second home in Napa Valley.  After long weeks on the road, we always seemed to be able to detach and relax when we came back to the Valley.   Its’ small-town charm, simple pleasures and the welcoming arms of its people inspired us to leave our hectic lives back east behind and settle in Napa full time.

THE PASSION
Immersing ourselves in the California wine culture, we discovered all the hidden nuances of the California AVA’s.  We became intrigued with the evocativeness of the diverse terroirs and voluptuous fruit the California soils produced, especially the “off the grid” varietals we savored in Italy, Spain and Argentina.  Soon, we began discovering some of Californias’ best Grenache, Barbera, Tempranillo and various expressions of Sangiovese.

THE REALITY
Then it happened.  In 2015, we made our first investment in a gorgeous lot of Sangiovese fruit from Bennett Lane in Napa Valley.  Not sure where things would end up, we immersed ourselves in the process, from picking the grapes, working harvest, rotating punch downs, testing samples, topping barrels and conducting blending trials.   It turned out, although 2015 produced limited yields, the fruit was spectacular and honest to the commitment we made on our honeymoon in Italy on June 2001 (6/01), 601 Cellars was born.

WINES

2017 Super Tuscan Reserve Napa Valley

2017
$58.00

The 2017 Napa Valley Reserve Super Tuscan is rich and well-structured with balanced acidity.  Its blend is comprised of 80% Sangiovese, 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon –  100% Napa Valley.   Bottled in August 2019, this guy graciously opens up with layers of dark fruit and delivers a long, seductive finish.  This wine is delicious to enjoy now,  and promises to age well over the next 7-12 years.  Only 65 cases produced.