PRESS: Vinepair - What’s the Most Underrated Napa Wine?

We Asked 18 Wine Pros: What’s the Most Underrated Napa Wine?

Words: Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé Illustration: Sara Pinsonault Published: October 10, 2024

Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous and well-publicized wine region in the United States. The entire region is under a half-million acres, just about a sixth the size of Bordeaux. Despite its relatively compact size, the region produces almost 50 million cases of wine every year, about a quarter of California’s total wine production. Inside those cases are some of the most coveted bottles made stateside, which means the AVA gets constant attention at the bottle shop and on wine lists.

Part of the appeal of Napa is the legendary wineries in its midst, ones with name recognition that command high prices. But among those prolific brands, there are still lesser-known wineries and vineyards producing bottles that punch above their weight. To see the lesser-known sides of Napa Valley, we asked sommeliers to share the Napa producers, grapes, and bottles that they think are underrated. Here’s what they said:

Maître de Chai Gala Mountain 2021. Planted on volcanic bedrock, this fully biodynamic wine brings Napa into the modern age. Everything is done on the vineyard by hand, resulting in a powerful Cabernet that satisfies classics lovers and sustainable sippers alike with notes of black currant, black cherry, plum, and licorice with firm, integrated tannins. In a sea of massive world-renowned producers, there are still winemakers breaking new ground within Napa Valley. Biodynamic viticulture is tough and with everything being done by hand, it’s a far cry from the larger wineries in the region.”

— Owen Huzar, wine director, John’s Food & Wine, Chicago