Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards: Big Wines with Big Personality
Just a few short minutes driving up Howell Mountain road and then a quick drop into Conn Valley and you’ll come upon Anderson Conn Valley (ACV). This is old school Napa. This 40+ acre slice of heaven feels like a step back in time – and it stands a testament to everything that’s right about luscious, consistent, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Todd Anderson has been the man at ACV for over 35 years. His knowledge of the land, and skilled approach to overseeing the winemaking (Robert Hunt is the head winemaker), has brought worldwide acclaim to the wines coming out of this estate. From truly unique reflections of Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks with fan favorites like “Eloge” (Left Bank in style, dominated by deep, bold Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon) and “Right Bank” (a softer tannic style made vibrant by Merlot, but based with Cabernet Franc reminiscent of top quality St. Emillion wines), to the cult collector classic “Ghost Horse Cabernet,” which often commands more than $5,000 a bottle.
While the wines have their nuances, they are hardly subtle – and neither is Todd. We had the pleasure of attending the ACV Cave Dweller Party in September (one of the great perks of our wine club membership) and it was everything you’d expect from a man who drives a Hummer with the license plate JYGNTOR. One of the best parts of this party is getting the chance to mingle with other ACV wine lovers – oh, and trying a ridiculous range of the portfolio, from 90’s vintages, to 2000’s, to today. Any visit to ACV is fun, totally unpretentious, and exactly what you want it to be.
And that’s what makes Anderson Conn Valley a place you have to visit. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure winery combined with classic, old-school, non-elitist Napa values. Plus, the wines are everything you’d come to expect from vineyards that produce $5,000 a bottle wine. Don’t worry – there’s something for everyone – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon ranging in price point from $30 to $120 a bottle. A special shout-out to Dan, ACV’s Assistant Winemaker, who cranked the Grateful Dead and gave us the kind of hospitality that should only be reserved for your best friends. Get off the beaten path, and get on the Ghost Horse.
Location: 680 Rossi Road, St. Helena, 10 minutes off of Silverado Trail.
Highlights: Unpretentious, uber friendly hospitality; incredible wines; gorgeous property with a cave you’ll really never want to leave.
Must try Wines: 2014 and 2015 Eloge; 2014 and 2015 Right Bank.
Visit: Open by appointment only. Tastings at $65 per person (worth it).
