Spring 2022 Release Wines
A Note from Elton Slone |
It is hard for me to articulate how much I am looking forward to the Spring here at Robert Craig Winery. Our 2019 wines are the finest we have ever produced, we have finally found a brand-compatible tasting salon space downtown (where the furniture has finally arrived), and we are experiencing major growth in our direct-to-consumer sales channel. I feel like Sally Field at the Oscars, “You love me! You really love me!” Also, we have been recognized by the press for the work we have done in the quality arena at our place, particularly in farming and winemaking in the 2019 vintage. We haven’t been sitting still at Craig. At this rate, it won’t be long before I’ll be interjecting the phrase “on my boat” into every conversation while wearing an ascot without a whiff irony. So far, I’ve only seen Fred Schrader pull that off on the cover of The Wine Spectator.
I came to the realization during Covid that I wouldn’t be able to lead our company, manage production, farming, consumer sales, our finances and the national market without some sort of nervous breakdown. At the start of February we welcomed a partnership with the fine estates focused Old Bridge Cellars National Marketing Company to manage the sales of our wines to the distribution channel. This will not only give me (and the staff) my life back, but it will also assure price uniformity throughout retail outlets in the country. Aside from a little 2017 Affinity out there with some Pandemic pricing on it, I want our customers to know that you can order the wines from us at the best price, with the best provenance and with the most convenience. Plus, I’ll be available on a more regular basis to step into the tasting salon and “taste” wine with our visitors.
We continue to evolve and grow at RCW, and part of that growth is in our people. Jami Castro is leaving us to start up her own real estate brokerage, a business that has run through her family for years and is a personal passion for her, but she is remaining on part time to spearhead our big-picture branding efforts. I tried threats and begging, but Jami was resolute. Scott Johnson will assume the role of Consumer Sales and Hospitality Director, and he is one of the most talented people with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. Carley Maierhofer will come down from her harvest internship and conduct tastings as well as work with the production crew (she’s a double threat!) and Yordanos Gebru (all the way from Ethiopia) has taken the helm as Oenologist up at the winery. Phil Kou is turning over our Instagram and Facebook accounts to Natalie Barnard next month as his big job in tech is keeping him too busy to handle our accounts, but please know that the rest of our crew and I check in regularly on your posts. We love them. Our band of merry women and men continue to hold down the fort at Craig.
As we rotate back to some sense of normalcy in 2022, it is my gratitude that comes to mind first. I’m able to go to work every day with the idea of producing the world’s greatest Cabernet, and not many people can say that. Shelly and Toonces (our rescue cat) and I have been enjoying the good family life with more time at home. I have gained tremendous perspective from all the adversity we have faced as a company over the last thirty months. I realized that we don’t have to be the techiest, or the most ostentatious, or the most expensive place to visit in the Napa Valley. We just need to have the best wines, caring, passionate and knowledgeable staff, and the ability to slow down and appreciate the people who take their time and energy and hard-earned cash to come to see us.
Thank you for your continued support of our business. This spring release will ship the best Chardonnay (should you add it), the best Affinity and the best Spring Mountain wines that we have ever produced at RCW. It’s a thrilling time for us here on Howell Mountain, and we couldn’t be happier to have you along for the ride. Please come see us here in the valley and shoot me an email before you come out. I would love to share a dark glass of something profound.
From our partners Maureen Nugent, Michael Adams, Derek Ruston, our gang at Craig and me,
Love, Peace and Mountain Cabernet
Spring 2022 Release Wines
Available to Members Only Until 4/30/22
2019 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon | Retail: $108
2019 Affinity Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | Retail: $78
2019 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay | Retail: $58
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Craig Cabernet Club Members get first dibs on all New Release Wines, plus special member pricing & shipping offers. Not a member yet?