Forman Vineyard

Ric Forman founded Forman Vineyard in 1983 to fulfill a dream of producing, as a sole proprietor, small quantities of classically made Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

After a three year search of the Napa Valley for the perfect location, he purchased, in 1978, the current winery/vineyard site which is perched on a ridge at the base of Howell Mountain overlooking the town of St. Helena. A remarkable site, it has produced some unusually el...

Soil or “terroir” and the climate and exposure in which the soil exists are really the essence of a wine’s personality. Grape vines are tenacious plants and need to search a bit for their survival in order to thrive and achieve ultimate excellence of fruit quality.

Our vineyards are divided into three parcels, each one planted to the four Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Below the winery the “...

Vinification: 2-4 tons jacketed stainless steel for red; 225 liter Burgundy barrels for white

Length of Fermentation: 3-4 weeks

Malolactic: Red: always in barrel / White: no malolactic

Barrels:
75% new, 25% two year old barrels
Red: Several Bordeaux coopers
White: Francois Frères; 10% new; 90% mix 2-4 year old barrels

Bottling:
100% Estate bottled

Blends:
Red: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit ...