Gagnon-Kennedy: A Deep Dive into the Single-Vineyard Collection
Deep in the volcanic tuff of Coombsville lies the Caldwell Vineyards & Winery cellars. These are a long system of caves that John Caldwell cut into the earth to build his winemaking program in the early 2000s. The soils here are from years of ash mixed with rain, creating a solid wall of white soil. As Marc Gagnon points out, this is the best place to be in an earthquake, as the ground is so compacted here that you are essentially in a fallout shelter.
When John built the cellars, he immediately started his custom crush program, making his own wines while also renting out space. This was a means to generate immediate income, but also a way that John could create a community around these cellars and help young, up-and-coming winemakers get their start. This is where Marc and Michael make their Gagnon-Kennedy wines, as well as some of their SOM & Component wines.
Marc is thoughtful in his winemaking, creating classic Napa Cabs while using only the right touch of oak to match their powerful sites. He uses as little as no new oak in his Petite Verdot, up to around 90% for some of his heartier Cabs. He tries to keep as many other variables as consistent as possible, without over-manipulating the wine, and uses minimal sulfur until bottling to allow the tannins to soften as much as possible. See below for more information on each individual wine from the Gagnon-Kennedy portfolio.
Napa Valley Cuvée
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet from various sites in Napa Valley including Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville, Beckstoffer George III in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, the Old Federal Block in Oakville, and Samuel Brannan in Calistoga. This is Marc and Michael’s expression of the whole valley, the one wine in the lineup they get to blend, and arguably their most complex wine. The wine sees around 70% new oak and about 700 cases are produced.
Tasting Note: A velvety and seductive expression of Napa. The nose offers a balance of dark and red fruits, complemented by a gentle spiciness from the oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and fruit-forward with soft, structured tannins and a long, lingering finish. Notes of rich cherry, dark purple fruit, and subtle spice.
MSRP: ~$110
Monte Rosso Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet from the historic Monte Rosso Vineyards sitting 1,300 feet above Napa Valley in Sonoma’s Mayacamas mountain range. This vineyard was first planted in 1886 and acquired by Louis M. Martini in 1938 and has been the source of iconic wines for decades. The wine sees around 90% new oak, and Gagnon-Kennedy makes about 200 cases.
Tasting Note: A full-bodied and rich Cabernet Sauvignon, with a unique profile that sets it apart from valley floor wines. Notes of ripe dark fruit—blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry—layered with savory and mineral notes of graphite, tobacco, and cocoa. The volcanic red soils give the wine a unique minerality and a complex spice profile with hints of cinnamon and allspice. The palate is full and structured, with firm, well-integrated tannins.
MSRP: ~$150
Beckstoffer Georges III, Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a Rutherford site with a legacy dating back to 1895. The wine is aged in around 75% new French oak, with a typical production of fewer than 100 cases per vintage. Marc chooses to use a slightly lower amount of new oak here to highlight the elegance of this site.
Tasting Note: A stunningly elegant Cabernet that reflects more of a classic, historic Napa style. The wine offers enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and a distinctive thread of violet and subtle green notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully textured, with a harmonious blend of dark fruit and firm, silky tannins. The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of vanilla and a hint of minerality.
MSRP: ~$175
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville, a site known for its deep silty clay loam soils. This wine sees around 75% new French oak, and a typical production of fewer than 100 cases per vintage.
Tasting Note: A classical Oakville Cabernet that is equal parts rustic and elegant. The nose is lush with floral notes and ripe dark fruit, including blackberry and blueberry, with hints of cocoa and spice. The palate is defined by its firm yet balanced tannins and a dense, concentrated fruit character that is both structured and inviting. The finish is long, smooth, and layered with notes of dark chocolate and oak.
MSRP: ~$200
Old Federal Block,
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Old Federal Block, a treasured parcel within the legendary To Kalon vineyard. The wine is aged in around 35% new French oak, a deliberate choice by Marc to ensure the site’s finesse and elegance are the star of the show. Production is extremely limited, with some vintages being as small as five barrels.
Tasting Note: The wine is characterized by a signature finesse and freshness that sets it apart from many of its more powerful Oakville neighbors. The nose presents notes of black cherry, red currant, and white flowers, with subtle hints of graphite and oak. The palate is silken, elegant, and poised, with vibrant acidity and a lighter texture that showcases the unique clay and sand soils of this parcel.
MSRP: ~$350
Gagnon-Kennedy Samuel Brannan Vineyard
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Samuel Brannan Vineyard, believed to be one of Napa’s oldest planted sites. The winery uses 60% new French oak for this wine to balance the power of the fruit. This is a very small production wine of around 120 cases.
Tasting Note: A powerful and rich wine with a surprising lightness and elegance despite coming from the warmer Calistoga region. The nose offers bold notes of blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with well-integrated tannins, providing a smooth, velvety texture. The finish is long and satisfying, making it a true expression of its historic terroir.
MSRP: ~$200
