Hundred Acre
History and Background
Founded by Jayson Woodbridge in 1998, Hundred Acre not only reflects his passionate dedication to winemaking but also his unique approach that focuses on quality and exclusivity. Woodbridge wasn't originally from a winemaking background; he transitioned into the wine industry from being an investment banker. This shift marked a significant change as he dedicated his career to mastering viticulture and enology.
Vineyards and Terroir
Hundred Acre’s vineyards are meticulously positioned in some of the most esteemed sub-regions of Napa Valley, renowned for producing distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon. These include the Kayli Morgan Vineyard near Saint Helena, Ark Vineyard on Howell Mountain, and Few and Far Between Vineyard near Calistoga. Each site is unique with its microclimate and soil conditions: Kayli Morgan features deep, gravelly loam; Ark showcases incisive volcanic soil contributing to structural complexity; and Few and Far Between offers a blend of volcanic and loamy soils, enriching the wines' depth. Primarily focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Hundred Acre is celebrated for crafting profound, terroir-driven wines that highlight the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. This specific attention to varietal and vineyard expression cements Hundred Acre’s reputation as a producer of some of the finest wines in Napa Valley.
Wine Style and Production
Hundred Acre is celebrated for its:
- Intensely flavorful and deeply concentrated wines that manage to maintain a striking balance and refinement. Each bottle reflects the richness and complexity of its single-vineyard origins.
- Uncompromising commitment to quality, where meticulous attention to detail is evident at every stage of the winemaking process. This results in wines that are not only authentic but also consistently of the highest caliber.
At Hundred Acre, the winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention. This approach ensures that the character of the terroir and the grape varietal are prominently expressed, celebrating the individuality of each vineyard. Techniques such as careful selection of fruit, fermentation in small, customized batches, and extended aging in carefully chosen oak barrels underline their method. The goal is to craft wines that are true reflections of their soil and microclimate.
Reputation
Hundred Acre's wines, particularly their Cabernet Sauvignon, have achieved Cult status in the wine world. Lauded consistently by critics, and with scores often soaring to the highest echelons in rankings from sources like Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, these wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. Founded by Jayson Woodbridge, Hundred Acre is dedicated to producing limited quantities of wine with meticulous care. Although best known for their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, their portfolio also includes a select few other premium wines. The limited production, combined with exceptional quality, makes Hundred Acre’s offerings among the most coveted wines from Napa Valley, often appearing in elite auctions and commanding top market prices. This exclusivity, along with their superlative reputation, underscores their elite standing in the wine community.
Final Thoughts
Hundred Acre is a Napa Valley cult producer is widely acclaimed for its singular focus on producing the pinnacle of Cabernet Sauvignon. By combining meticulous vineyard management, passionate winemaking, and a profound comprehension of the local terroir, the estate consistently crafts wines that are not only deeply representative of their origin but are also celebrated as some of the most distinguished globally. For aficionados seeking the ultimate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon experience, Hundred Acre epitomizes unmatched depth, purity, and elegance.