Napa Valley

United States

United States wine regions

About Napa Valley

California's most celebrated wine region, a narrow valley running 50 km north from San Pablo Bay to the slopes of Mt. Saint Helena. Since the 1976 Judgment of Paris, Napa has been synonymous with world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Sixteen sub-AVAs reflect the diversity of terrain, from the fog-cooled Carneros to the volcanic peaks of Howell Mountain.

5–790 m

Elevation range

redwhite

Wine styles

16 AVAs

Avg. slope 8°

United States wine regions

Vintage Ratings

Rating:

95+

90-94

85-89

80-84

<80

PeakReadyHold

Year	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Red
White

Outstanding Napa Valley Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Hold

93Excellent

Early reports suggest concentration and complexity. A strong vintage across the valley.

2029Peak 2032–20402042

2023

Hold

96Exceptional

Elegant and fresh. Cooler conditions produced Cabernet with more finesse than power.

2028Peak 2030–20382040

2021

Ready

97Exceptional

Drought-concentrated and powerful. Small yields with intense flavors.

2026Peak 2029–20362038

2019

Ready

96Exceptional

Exceptional. Combines the richness of 2018 with added freshness.

2024Peak 2028–20382042

2018

Ready

99Exceptional

One of the great Napa vintages. Seamless, with dark fruit, graphite, and extraordinary depth.

2023Peak 2028–20402042

2017

At peak

92Excellent

Variable quality due to wildfires. Best wines show depth and spice.

2022Peak 2024–20302032

2016

At peak

98Exceptional

Outstanding balance of power and elegance. Classic Napa Cabernet with decades ahead.

2021Peak 2025–20352038

2015

At peak

94Excellent

Rich and powerful. Dark berry, chocolate, and firm structure.

2020Peak 2023–20322035

2014

At peak

95Exceptional

Structured and age-worthy. Ripe dark fruit with fine tannins despite the drought.

2019Peak 2022–20322035

White

2024

At peak

92Excellent

Promising early reports. Clean fruit and good balance.

2025Peak 2026–20292030

2023

At peak

94Excellent

Fresh and aromatic. A Chardonnay vintage of finesse over power.

2024Peak 2025–20282029

2022

At peak

92Excellent

Balanced and complete. Bright acidity, stone fruit, and subtle oak.

2023Peak 2024–20272028

2021

Drink now

94Excellent

Concentrated but sometimes heavy. Best wines show tropical richness.

2022Peak 2023–20252026

2019

Drink now

93Excellent

Vibrant and focused. Top Chardonnays show Burgundian restraint.

2020Peak 2021–20252027

2018

Drink now

94Excellent

Precise and elegant. Bright fruit, balanced oak, and lingering finish.

2019Peak 2020–20242026

2016

Past window

92Excellent

Excellent balance. Citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes with lively acidity.

2017Peak 2018–20232025

2014

Past window

92Excellent

Rich, tropical Chardonnay with good acidity. Carneros bottlings especially fine.

2016Peak 2017–20222024

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Sub-AVAs

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Terroir & Character

Climate

MediterraneanWarmFog-influenced

Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Morning fog from San Pablo Bay cools the southern valley, while the northern end can be significantly warmer. The mountain AVAs above the fog line experience more sun but cooler nights.

Terroir

VolcanicAlluvial gravelClayBenchland

Extraordinary geological diversity. The valley floor is deep alluvial gravel and clay, ideal for Cabernet. The western Mayacamas range is volcanic and rocky, while the eastern Vaca Mountains feature sandstone and shale. Rutherford and Oakville benchland soils are among the most prized in the New World.

Typical Aromas

cassisdark chocolatecedarvanillablackberrytobacco leaf

Explore the aroma wheel

Notable Producers

Opus OneMondavi-Rothschild joint venture, iconic blend

Screaming EagleCult Cabernet, impossible waiting list

Harlan EstateCult Oakville Cabernet, Bordeaux-inspired

CaymusRich Napa Cabernet, Special Selection

Stag's Leap Wine CellarsWon the 1976 Judgment of Paris

ShaferHillside Select, benchmark Stags Leap

Heitz CellarMartha's Vineyard Cabernet, eucalyptus

Grapes of Napa Valley

Chardonnay

green applelemonpearnectarine

Napa Chardonnay leans on cool Carneros, where San Pablo Bay fog preserves acidity. Tropical fruit, citrus, and toasted oak; warmer sites give richer, butterier expressions.

Cabernet Sauvignon

blackcurrantgreen bell peppermintcedar

America's benchmark Cabernet. Oakville and Rutherford bring plush black cherry, blackcurrant, and Rutherford-dust tannin; mountain sites add structure and freshness.