Young Ridge

The property is located high at the top of a rolling hill and overlooks the town of Napa. Surrounding the Young family home, which represents eleven years of loving dedication to construct, there are two acres planted to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which sources the estate-grown, limited-production Young Ridge "ridge top estate' wine. The vineyard is situated on a slant for solar exposure throughout the entire growing season and has the advantage of a cool breeze each afternoon. In addition to the 2 acres on Young Ridge, LeRoy Young purchased a 99 acre ranch in Pope Valley in 1995. While building their home, owner LeRoy Young responded to a game started by his grandchildren. They painted a happy face on unfinished drywall to surprise him.  LeRoy then drew a larger happy face on another wall which pleased the kids so much that he eventually built a 20 x 20, lighted happy face which can be seen from Napa every evening. That symbol of family joy is also found on the Young Ridge wine label.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The first release included three vintages, 1995, 1996 and 1997. All three wines show a clear ruby color, yet it darkens with each vintage to a deep ruby. The common aroma includes cherry, chocolate and marshmallow, with the 1996 exhibiting hints of cherry Jell-O and the 1997 has a distinctive scent of fig and vanilla. The fruit flavors are consistent in each vintage with the common flavors featuring black cherry and chocolate. The wines unique flavors range from smoke to nut dust to toasted bread, respectively. The vintages show a development of complexity and balance as more new oak was used.

Zinfandel

Harvested on LeRoy's 99-acre ranch in Pope Valley, CA. Two vintages, 2000 and 2001 show consistency of fruity components and are medium bodied. The 2000 Zinfandel has soft tannins. The 2001 Zinfandel has balanced flavors.