News
Dear Friends,
When writing about our present and future it is always inspiring to look to the past. Fifty years ago, Jack Taylor – the owner of Mayacamas Vineyards from 1941 until 1968 – distributed a newsletter to his customers very much like this one. It was dated September 1965 and titled “Bulletin #70.”
Bulletin #70, like all the newsletters from that fascinating era, offers a wonderful glimpse into the pioneer spirit of Napa winemaking at a time when the industry we know today was largely unformed.
In his letter, Mr. Taylor offers a peek into his world as winemaker – lamenting lighter than desired crop loads and the high cost of doing business in Napa. But he takes pride in his small production levels and his caring, “traditional” approach to produce only the finest wines. He talks about the physical strain of harvest and the long hours that accompany it, but that the finished product – still years from being ready - makes it all worthwhile.
Fifty years on, the 2015 harvest season is coming to a head, with OUR crews working overtime as fruit arrives into the winery much earlier than normal. As of the first day of September, all of our Chardonnay grapes had been picked, along with the first lots of Cabernet and Merlot. Much like Mr. Taylor experienced 5 decades ago, the harvest while very high in quality, is unfortunately very small due to an uneven fruit set in spring.
Whether it is small crops, long arduous hours during harvest, or the peculiarities of winery life, one can’t help but notice the similarities the stewards of Mayacamas share. Today’s conversations, problems, and successes are not unique to us. Wine proves, over and over again, to be a consistent cycle, and a long measure of time.
In his newsletter, Mr. Taylor takes care to remind his readers that they, as the buyers of his wines, are an integral part of the success of the business he looks after so carefully. And just as he did fifty years ago, we offer all of you who support this winery and our efforts as its caretakers, a great debt of gratitude.
All Our Best,
The Mayacamas Team
The transition from Winter to Spring in the Napa Valley is always one of the most exciting times of year - dormant vines come alive, and a new year’s cycle of winegrowing begins. There is no exception at Mayacamas – the Spring shoots are out and our new team embarks on what will be our first full year of stewardship on this most amazing of properties.
2014 began in the midst of the driest weather in California history. Quite fortunately, by the beginning of March more rain had fallen than in all of 2013 combined, offering the stressed vines much needed relief. What had been an arid and dusty landscape quickly turned green as new cover crops began to sprout in the recharged soil. Bud break came early and our attention was focused on the busy year ahead.
While of course each year brings with it unique qualities, the importance of tradition and legacy should never be overlooked, especially at a place like Mayacamas. The more time we spend here, the clearer (and more empowering) that idea becomes. Our winemaking team’s first vintage, 2013, is resting comfortably in the cellar. Outside of a few minor equipment updates, these wines were made in the classic Mayacamas style – something we will continue to do as long as we steward this historic property. We look forward to sharing these, as well as the iconic wines produced by Bob Travers, for years to come.
While the property remains temporarily closed to visitors, we will look forward to welcoming you back this summer. Over the next few months we will make some property improvements to ensure our guests and staff are as comfortable as possible. If you have ever visited the Estate, you know how beautiful it is; the old-world charm found here since 1889 is something we all love dearly, and our singular inspiration as we plan for the future.
Please accept our thanks and appreciation for your continued support of this iconic Napa Valley story.
Jimmy Hayes
Estate Director