Brand

Ed & Deb Fitts, Proprietors"We have always believed in building the strongest business and personal relationships possible, selecting the right model and choosing the best people. We were drawn to this spectacular location above the cloud line because of the view of the distant valley and Lake Hennessey, but what we found up close was the proven soil of our neighbors and upon deeper inspection, we discovered that this land was ripe with promise. We were compelled to develop the potential of this property and guided by the expertise of our team we feel that we have begun the journey of a lifetime. Our vision is to build BRAND to a highly recognized name that represents the best red wine our vineyards on Pritchard Hill have to offer. Our personal goal is to help promote vineyards on Pritchard Hill as the most respected in the valley.”

Philippe Melka—Winemaker

"Over the last 18 years I have been involved in very few projects where I've felt from the start that there was something special, like BRAND. It could be because of the chemistry of the team, the amazing site or something else. What I do know is from Ed the owner, Josh the vineyard manager, Juancarlos the architect, Kelly the project manager, Melinda the marketing and sales or Kelli the GM, they all are dedicated to work really hard for excellence. So, with my general philosophy of letting the grapes shine throughout our wines, plus having integrity, respect, friendship, gentle winemaking using gravity and lots of fun, I certainly believe that we should reach our goals" For the last 15 years, Philippe has made an extraordinary winemaking contribution in Napa Valley. His undergraduate degree in Geology from University of Bordeaux and a Masters in Agronomy and Enology were the foundation for his continued fascination with soil and it’s influence on the quality of wine. Fortunate in his mentors and with a worldly perspective gained by working at some of the world’s best estates including Chateau Haut Brion, Dominus Estate, Chittering Estate, Badia O Coltibuono and Chateau Petrus, Philippe brings to BRAND a wealth of experience. Philippe and his wife Cherie own Melka Wines together and have two children.
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Greg Gregory—Estate Director
After a pivotal glass of 1982 Haut Brion, Greg’s passion for wine grew exponentially, with treks to all of the significant wine regions, contributing philanthropically to most of the largest charity wine auctions in the country, and amassing a cellar totaling 18,000 bottles of the greatest wines in the world. Since moving to Napa Valley in 2009, Greg's passion for wine along with his business background, perspective as a collector, time as a wine retailer and significant winery-client relationship experience make him a perfect fit for BRAND Napa Valley.

In unique terroir above the cloud line on top of Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley are the vineyards of BRAND. In two distinctive elevations twelve acres of vines are planted in the red volcanic soils surrounded by massive boulders. The BRAND estate shares the profile of the Oakville appellation with the additional benefit of higher elevation and hillsides.

The Upper Vineyards face West above the winery and overlook Lake Hennessey. Eight acres are planted in 12 separate vineyard blocks to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The elevation of the upper blocks range from 1300’ rising to 1600’.

The Upper Vineyard development was a four year endeavor including nearly four months of heavy lifting when massive boulders were drilled and blasted from the earth by dynamite and trucked down the hill. What began as a rugged boulder field became an enduring red soil habitat. Soil types and orientation for the 12 blocks vary widely and required careful research. Selection of clones and rootstock were made resulting in 9 clones field grafted onto 6 different rootstocks. Each block was situated to protect vines from wind, heat and sun. The vines are predominantly planted to 3 by 6 spacing utilizing a vertical trellising and Guyot training system to manage light exposure and air movement.

Below and adjacent to the winery at an elevation of 1135’ is the Lower Vineyard which was recently acquired. This vineyard spans four acres and is planted to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

BRAND’s total vineyard plantings consist of 6 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 acres of Cabernet Franc and 2 acres of Petit Verdot.

Our proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of ripe plum, cassis, blueberry, and lavender intertwined with cedar and a dash of herbs. Full bodied and textured, its round tannins deliver an undeniable elegance and finesse, all the while showcasing intricate flavors that evolve with each impression. While hard to resist now, it surely will mature and display even greater complexity with time.

80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
185 cases produced

VINEYARD

At an elevation of up to 1600 feet overlooking Lake Hennessey on Pritchard Hill is the well-drained rocky red volcanic soil above the cloud and fog line; the ultimate vineyard environment of BRAND.

VINIFICATION
Grapes were sorted in the field and winery, and then fermented in small, jacketed stainless steel tanks. Barrel aging occurred in 60% new French Oak for 22 months before the wine was then bottled without fining or filtration.