It’s not the “Old West.” But it IS a new frontier in wine tasting experiences.
Imagine sitting down at a table in an inviting living room, savoring wines made from grapes sourced from some of the world’s most renowned and iconic vineyards like To Kalon, Beckstoffer, Charles Heintz, Ritchie Vineyard, and Redwood Estate Ranch to name a few. Then, imagine sipping wines created from these vines of these vineyards by the magical hands of world-famous winemakers such as Philippe Melka, Michel Rolland, Alberto Antonini and Juan Pablo Murgia, to name a few. On your visit to New Frontier Wine Company, you won’t have to imagine this…you will experience it.
The New Frontier: From South America to Down Under to the New World
The exciting labels being poured at New Frontier are under one ownership with a vision to produce the best wines possible-highlighting not only the best fruit and winemakers but showcasing the world. This is a new concept in Napa, where you can go into a tasting room, and be introduced to an exciting, diverse upscale portfolio of mind-bending wines. The tasting menu will vary…but just imagine having the opportunity to taste wines from major worldwide areas…such as:
Patagonia
With the Otronia label, winemakers Juan Pablo Murgia and Alberto Antonini have created a selection of wines from Patagonia, Argentina, using grapes grown from what are some of the most southern vineyards in the world. The 45° Rugientes Corte De Blancas which we tasted is an enticing blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. This is one example of the quality of wines coming from this far southern point on the globe that Murgia produces.
Australia
World renown winemaker Alberto Antonini along with Pedro Parra have combined as consultants, working with Amelia Nolan as head winemaker, to produce wines for New Frontier’s Alkina label. Located in Australia’s famous winegrowing region of the Barossa Valley, these are wines that are expressive of the terroir, with grapes from vines planted seventy years ago. The 2019 Old Quarter is a GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro), that is well balanced, with a finish that goes on forever. And, for an extra special treat, we were able to sample the Alkina Polygon No. 5 Grenache. This is, as described by our host, is a micro-terroir project, with only 500 bottles produced.
Napa Valley
Waypoint is New Frontier’s flagship label, where you will sip Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Muscat, and of course, Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from such highly regarded vineyards as Ritchie, Heintz and Beckstoffer to name a few, this project is overseen by winemakers Philippe Melka and Matt Sands with Mark Pittman as the assistant winemaker. Take special note when looking at the label-because the label designates the longitude and latitude where the grapes were picked. Waypoint focuses on single vineyard varietals…and what varietals they are!
Napa Valley, known for exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon, is well represented by New Frontier with their Lithology label. Fruit is sourced from several Beckstoffer vineyards. These Cabernets will blow your mind. Winemakers Melka, Rolland and Sands have created a selection of collectible and drinkable Cabernets. Receiving ratings up to 100 points (Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon-Jeb Dunnuck 100 points), this is truly an elite label, and exploring it is not to be missed.
A tasting at the New Frontier Wine Co. lounge in downtown Napa is one you must experience in order to fully appreciate wines coming from three distinctive New World geographic regions, sourcing from the best vineyards, creating wines by winemaking legends. This exciting diverse portfolio will introduce you to a new world of elegant, enticing, creative wines. Make plans to be “wowed” by a new frontier concept in wine experiences (please reserve in advance).
Get ready to plan your visit to New Frontier Wine Co., where you will discover varieties of wines, terroir and styles created by renowned winemakers in Napa and beyond. A true treat for your senses.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle, and culture. He and his wife are constantly sipping their way from Santa Barbara to Napa, focusing on Paso Robles and the Central Coast, where they have explored for about 25 years. Don has earned his WSET2 (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) certification, has completed the Bourgogne Masterclass through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and is a member of the LA. Wine Writers.
Focusing on the people and unique experiences to be had, Don’s goal is to have people read about California’s amazing wine country adventures, seeing it through his eyes, and say: “I want to go there, try that, meet them,” and enrich the lives of others as his has been, by exploring California’s wine roads.
