Wines

Langtry Estate & Vineyards

Few wineries can boast an appellation all to themselves, but Langtry Estate & Vineyards in the picturesque Guenoc Valley of Lake County, just north of the Napa Valley, has the unusual distinction of being the only vineyard owner and winery in the region. While Langtry has enjoyed significant critical success with its Lake County Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery has emerged as one of the top producers of two of the hottest varietal wines on the market today, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc.

Langtry Estate & Vineyards is one of California's leading producers of Petite Sirah in both volume and quality. Langtry's primary source of Petite Sirah is the Serpentine Meadow Vineyard at the winery estate in Guenoc Valley. Small traces of magnesium found in the soils have a profound affect on the Langtry Petite Sirah, as it limits vine vigor and crop levels, toning down the aggressive flavors in the wine. As a varietal, Petite Sirah has a reputation for being overly tannic and aggressive, but at Langtry Estate & Vineyards, the combination of the distinctive Serpentine Meadow soils and winemaker skills result in a Petite Sirah that is soft and round with bright, berry fruitiness—a tribute to what the varietal can achieve. Langtry makes three Petite Sirahs: a Langtry Estate, Lake County, and Port.

Another standout in the Langtry Estate & Vineyards stable of wines is Sauvignon Blanc. Langtry grows the Musque clone, which hails from the Loire Valley and is best known for the character of Sancerre wines. The Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc displays generous citrus and melon character with subtle minerally qualities that typify the Musque clone. The wine is softer and less grassy than the cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs, and shows greater richness and complexity.

Langtry Estate & Vineyards has also enjoyed considerable success with Chardonnay and red Bordeaux varietals from its vineyards in Guenoc Valley and the high-elevation Tephra Ridge. Chardonnay grows exceptionally well in the Guenoc Valley, and the Guenoc Lake County Chardonnay is noted for its forward fruit and bright acidity. Langtry's Red Wine is an abundant, complex wine blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Carmenère grown on the pyroclastic volcanic soils of Tephra Ridge and the rocky, alluvial soils of the Guenoc Valley. This wine has achieved international recognition and is a classic example of California's finest red wine.