Greg Norman Estates Debut Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Receives 91 Points
West Palm Beach, FL (December 19, 2019) – Greg Norman Estates today announced that it has been included in the pages of the latest December issue of Wine Spectator with a 91-point score for its inaugural vintage of the 2016 Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
While Greg Norman Estates is no stranger to impressive accolades – the wines have broken into the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 and have received many 90 plus point scores – this is the family’s first foray into the exciting world of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley’s world-renowned reputation is anchored to extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons, and as such, the Greg Norman Estates vintage has been crafted with the greatest care and respect for the region and is the culmination of more than 20 years of winemaking for the Norman family.
“This was a massive undertaking to develop a wine in such an esteemed growing region – we had to find the right winemaker, the right fruit and create the magic. We are overwhelmed with the result and honored to receive such a high score from Wine Spectator,” said Greg Norman. “This wine was my daughter’s idea and it turned into a passion project for us. This is just the beginning and we look forward to sharing many more new wines in the future.”
Requiring a deep knowledge of the region’s landscape, Greg Norman and his daughter Morgan collaborated with Margo Van Staaveren, a veteran in the industry with more than 30 years’ experience, most notably at Chateau St. Jean and Beringer Vineyards, and is one of the most respected vintners of her generation. The Normans’ and Van Staaveren’s shared goal was to craft a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that genuinely typifies the variety and appellation but also captures the best of the vintage, hence the ‘Reserve’ designation. With an intimate knowledge of St. Helena, one of Napa Valley’s 16 sub-appellations (AVAs), Van Staaveren’s access to premium fruit sources from the northern hillside and valley floor vineyards were carefully selected for their diverse range of soils, aspects and micro-climates that when blended impart a balanced and generously structured Cabernet with a vibrant flavor profile.
“Living in Napa Valley, I fell in love with the region and winemaking style, and I always envisioned one day making a Napa Valley Cabernet under our family label,” said Morgan Norman. “Margo and I have known each other for 10 years and I have always admired her passion, winemaking style and love for Cabernet, so I jumped at the opportunity to work with and learn from her.”
Summer of 2019 was the start of an exciting new chapter for the Greg Norman Estates’ portfolio of wine. Old Bridge Cellars – based in Napa, California – has partnered with Greg Norman Estates to build upon a solid foundation with the next generation of Norman family at the helm. Old Bridge Cellars will focus on all fruit sourcing, winemaking, strategic planning, sales and marketing for the Greg Norman Estates brand.
About Greg Norman Estates
Greg Norman’s passion for fine wine was the genesis of Greg Norman Estates—a collection of wines produced from some of finest growing regions in California, New Zealand and Greg’s homeland of Australia. An avid wine collector and strong believer in the role of wine in an active, easygoing lifestyle, Greg’s aim is to produce approachable wines that can compete with the best on the wine world stage. www.gregnormanestateswine.com
About Old Bridge Cellars
Old Bridge Cellars is a leading importer, sales and marketing specialist based in Napa, California. For more than 25 years, OBC’s portfolio has been recognized for its collection of independently owned benchmark, regional estates that include d’Arenberg, Leeuwin Estate, John Duval Wines, Giant Steps, Innocent Bystander, Brokenwood, Greywacke, Maison L’Envoyé and Clos Du Val. www.obcwines.com
