By Elaine Chukan Brown
Wine Enthusiast Writer at Large and reviewer of wines from California (Napa) & Northeast Spain (Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalunya, La Rioja, Madrid, Navarra, País Vasco)

Another revolution is brewing in the Napa Valley. Naturally, the classic Cabernet that made the region famous still commands attention but there are more players in the game: bold, brawny mouthwatering red blends, a new crop of succulent white wines and lesser-known reds are proving that the region isn’t resting on its laurels. 

The Northern California enclave built its luxurious reputation through exclusive tasting experiences and cashmere-level fine dining. Blue chip collectors still race to buy cult Cabernets from Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Bryant, Colgin and Shafer’s Hillside Select, among them. But, with an insider view guiding the way, lesser-known yet sumptuous wines from heartracing whites to light-hearted reds can also be found.

A look to the history of Napa Valley helps point the way. Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc made some of the first great white wines of the region. They’re even more exciting today. For reds, you can find a similar story. It’s worth returning to Napa’s first great varieties, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, while also exploring some of the newer surprises. Ever heard of Crljenak Kaštelanski? Have you tasted a Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon blend? You can find them in Napa—and they’re impressive. 

In the region, it’s possible to satisfy a more diverse palate and range of price points than you may believe.

Table of Contents

Weather Report

Thank the region’s geography for its ability to yield an outstanding array of wines. The Napa River carves the region’s long valley between two mountain ranges. Its history of flooding followed by drought has created a textural landscape and wide range of soils for grapes. 

Follow the river north towards Calistoga and daytime temperatures get warmer. Thanks to the sunny warmth, wines develop a deeper, richer array of flavors. Red fruit flavors like cherry or plum transform into kirsch and black currant. Tannins become supple while acidity stays fresh. Stay along the river’s south and throughout Carneros to discover winds and nighttime fog pouring in from San Pablo Bay. Here, wines take on an energetic edge. Whites can carry profoundly bright acidity. Reds a lighter frame with zestier flavors.

And how about the mountains? Napa Valley helped create the notion of mountain Cabernet, with its distinctively textural tannins. 

The Mayacamas on the river’s western flank enjoy the cooler side of morning sun as well as more winter rainfall. Mt. Veeder at the southern toe of the range is covered in a mix of forest pine and aromatic woods, which brings fresh forest notes to many of the wines. The Spring Mountain District and Diamond Mountain are found in the western slopes as well. A mix of rocky terrain, powdery fine volcanic clays and ancient seabed, stand over several thousand feet in elevation. 

On the eastern side—where Wild Horse Valley, Atlas Pea, and Howell Mountain reach for the sky—the Vaca Range feels more like a desert. The hot afternoon sun creates a drier hillside than Napa’s western side. Chaparral, buckbrush and manzanita make for fragrant slopes. Their aromas even show up in the wines. 

Outsiders used to say there was no vintage variation in Napa. The last decade has proven this wrong. A mix of abundant winter rains, a series of heat spikes and several years of drought mean each harvest reveals a different flavor. In 2023, snow even dusted in the mountains. 

Let’s rewind to some of the most significant recent years.

2021

Concentration and impressive structure lead wines from the 2021 vintage. Lower yields made for abundant flavor and wines built to age. They also mean it’s harder to find some of the wines, but they are worth seeking out. For many, it’s a favorite vintage. 

2022

In 2022, Napa Valley experienced a unique vintage. White wines and lighter bodied reds both arrived early in August celebrating resplendent acidity and a race against time to harvest quickly. Then, temperatures dipped and later harvesting reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel from cooler areas and Petit Verdot almost everywhere hung on the vine until into October. Because of this weather phenomenon, winemakers named the year “the vintage of two harvests.”

2023

In 2023, everything ripened late. A long, steady growing season of mild weather and more even temperatures left grapes on the vine until September, October, and even November. It’s arguably one of the region’s best vintages in decades. The three-peat years—2016, 2018 and 2019—are three more of my favorites. It’s rare to have such excellence in three vintages so close together but these three delivered the best in three out of four years.

2024

Early whites and a few lighter reds are already available from 2024. Expect what locals consider a classic vintage: abundant winter rains brought healthy vines with plenty of natural shading to allow a low-stress year for grapes and harvesters alike.

Trend Report

Today, Napa Valley celebrates its greatest range of wine styles. Steak lovers latch onto succulent reds and full-bodied Cabernets. But Napa has also been lightening up.

Light and Lean

As farming improves, adjusting to the more specific needs of each vineyard, winemakers are able to capture more nuance and gain more flavor even with an earlier harvest. Consumer taste is also changing. More people want more refreshing wine. 

A full range of flavors from lighter styles has erupted. Cabernet below 14% abv still delivers plenty of pleasure. But less common varieties are also easier to find. 

A Variety of Varietals

No longer merely a blending grape, Cabernet Franc now takes the lead in desirable wines. Lang & Reed has a long-standing commitment to the variety. Ashes & Diamonds plus T. Berkley are more recent adopters of the variety. For an edgier take, look to Matthiasson. 

Crljenak Kaštelanski pays tribute to the European origins of California’s heritage vine, Zinfandel. It’s the variety that created both Primitivo and Zinfandel but a few wineries have brought it directly from its first vineyards in Croatia to the unique conditions of Napa Valley. The result is resplendent acidity, surprising charm and a wash of flavor reminiscent of lighter-bodied, classic Zinfandel. The beauty of Sauvignon Blanc is Napa’s secret weapon. Given less credit than it’s due, the grape reflects where it’s grown like other varieties (like Pinot Noir) famous for reflecting terroir. Citrus and light-bulb acidity dominate the variety in Coombsville, an AVA on the ascent. Orchard and stone fruits shine in bottles from Oak Knoll to Oakville. In St. Helena and Calistoga, tropical fruits emerge.

Futurecast

Market changes as much as climate change are defining today’s trends. Expect a greater number of high-acid whites and distinctive blends, both red and white.

As wildfires become a more regular occurrence, producers are looking to become more adaptable. A brave few have started dry farming, allowing vines to rely only on water naturally available rather than irrigation. The effect is an earlier harvest. Others are turning to varieties that simply ripen sooner. Both mean wineries are more likely to pick before smoke from wildfires infiltrate, preserving the quality of the fruit.

Blends Take Center Stage

Blending also gives more possibilities. Want more structure? Add Cabernet or Petite Verdot. More aromatics? Reach for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Want fruit forward charm? Bring in some Zinfandel.

The result? You’ll find more unique blends, especially for reds, bringing together varieties that haven’t traditionally been seen in one bottle together. Newer vintners often bring new insight. That means a willingness to try something new. You’ll find Spanish varieties combined with classics like Cabernet, white wines made with entirely new methods from fermentation on skins to aging in concrete and occasionally even a more unusual option like white and red wines blended together.

High-Acid Whites

When it comes to high-acid whites, many varieties hold onto their freshness even when temperatures rise. This has brought a celebration of several varieties that have been in Napa Valley all along. Producers are finding older vineyards full of flavor. Semillon, Chenin Blanc and Riesling fill the need. Distinctive white blends will also take their place in Napa Valley.

So, what to drink now? There’s something from Napa for every type of drinker and every type of mood. A willingness to explore guides the palate. Look to wines new to your radar when you’re ready for excitement and surprise. Return to the classics when it’s time to bring comfort and familiarity to a dynamic day. Ageworthy reds for cellaring, affordable and refreshing weeknight white wines and bottles that speak to the region’s history. We’ve mapped out our favorite selections below.

Bold Reds 

When it’s time to savor rich flavor with velvety texture, look to Napa’s talent for generous red blends. 

The variety of soils and predominance of summer sun bring succulence to tannins and a generosity of flavor. Ripening red wine in a region that stays dry in the summer with bright sunny days and cooler nights is unique in the world of wine. It means Napa provides the benchmark for combining intensity of flavor with palate cleansing tannins, lengthening acidity and a thoughtfulness that makes each taste of the wine magnetic. 

These reds are built to deliver both enticement and satisfaction.

Classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-Based Blends 

Looking for something aromatic, more medium-bodied, palate cleansing and age-worthy? Classic Cabernet made Napa Valley famous for good reason. Today, producers with a respect for detailed aromatics and flavor as well as restraint in the form of upright, food-friendly structure are showcasing the freshness, verve and seriousness possible in one glass of Cabernet.

Historic Varieties 

It wasn’t until 1997 that Cabernet Sauvignon became the region’s primary grape. Before that the valley grew what we could call Napa’s heritage collection: Zinfandel and Petite Sirah for reds, and Chenin Blanc and Semillon for whites. The region still has some of its oldest plantings for these varieties. The power of older vineyards can be found in a beautiful balance of their resulting wines. Producers today are reasserting the importance of these original hallmark grapes for Napa Valley. Respect for the region’s past means more options for fine wine today.

Sauvignon Blanc and Its Blends 

Sauvignon Blanc’s ability to combine plush flavor with mouthwatering length is unparalleled. The variety’s wines offer fresh verve as much as delicious pleasure.

New Directions 

Want to experiment with a taste of the region’s newest trends? Look toward distinctive white blends and less-common varieties. 

Combining Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon brings lush texture to profound aromatics. For Artesa, the sophistication possible from combining Spain’s signature grape, Tempranillo, with Napa’s iconic Cabernet proves a defining vision. 

Producers like Grgich are expanding their portfolio by establishing varieties that aren’t entirely new to the region, but instead vine selections of them that are. It means a new sense of detail and drive in for familiar varieties. Zinfandel finds its roots again with Crljenak Kaštelanski, and Tribidrag vines brought from Central Europe.

Special-Occasion Bottles 

What makes a special occasion wine? It’s not as simple as the cost. A balance of intrigue, excitability and sophistication combine in a wine that feels truly special to drink. Pop them open whenever you want to show your guests you’re proud of them, or you want a personal reminder that life is golden.

Everyday Enjoyment 

Just like with special occasions, an everyday wine isn’t merely about cost. These bottles offer pleasure and depth without being demanding. Think flavor-forward and charming while still offering just enough sophistication to keep things interesting.

More Napa Coverage

• How to spend less and do more in Napa.
• Get to know what makes Napa so special for wine.
• The 12 best winery tours in Napa, according to experts.
• Meet the new generation of Napa Valley vintners.
• Napa’s underdog grapes—and the wineries that are working magic with them. 
• Decoding what the Judgement of Paris did for Napa wine.