Scarecrow
History and Background
The Scarecrow story begins on the historic J.J. Cohn Estate in Napa Valley, adjacent to the legendary Inglenook vineyard of winemaker Gustave Niebaum. In 1945, Inglenook's John Daniel Jr. persuaded J.J. Cohn, a Hollywood mogul with no winemaking ambitions, to plant Cabernet vines on his property. These grapes became crucial to renowned wines such as Opus One and Duckhorn. Remarkably, Cohn preserved his vines on St. George rootstock, avoiding the phylloxera devastation of the mid-1960s and maintaining the prized "Old Men" vines that produce Scarecrow's rich fruit today. J.J. Cohn, born in 1895 to Russian immigrants, rose from poverty to become MGM's Chief of Production, playing a key role in classics like "The Wizard of Oz." The Scarecrow label honors Cohn's legacy, embodying American agricultural heritage and optimism.
Vineyards and Terroir
Scarecrow's vineyards are strategically situated in the heart of the Rutherford AVA, an area in Napa Valley celebrated for its distinctive soil profile known as "Rutherford Dust." This fine, dusty, gravelly loam mixed with marine sediment and volcanic deposits imbues Scarecrow wines with a unique mineral quality, characterizing the area's terroir. The vineyard boasts old vines, some originally planted in the 1940s, which contribute a notable depth and complexity to the wine. Scarecrow primarily focuses on producing Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the full-bodied, intensively flavorful, and structurally complex profile typical of the Rutherford terroir. These wines are characterized by deep fruit flavors, a rich palate, and the subtle yet distinctive minerality of Rutherford Dust.
Wine Style and Production
Scarecrow wines are known for their remarkable depth and complexity. Produced primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines are recognized for their layers of rich flavor, which include dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes. This results in a graceful balance between power and finesse.
Scarecrow’s winemaking process is indeed meticulous, emphasizing minimal intervention to best express the inherent qualities of the grapes and their terroir. The grapes are sourced from old vines, some of which were planted in the 1940s, in the esteemed J.J. Cohn Estate. These old vines contribute significantly to the wine's concentration and complexity. Scarecrow uses careful vineyard management and handpicking of grapes to ensure optimal quality.
Scarecrow wines are known for their considerable aging potential, thanks to their structure and balance. They are aged primarily in new French oak barrels, which add to the wine's elegance and enable it to develop gracefully over time. The tannins are refined and well-integrated, which suggests that these wines not only perform well in their youth but are also suited for long-term cellaring.
Reputation
Scarecrow has rapidly ascended to the ranks of the elite cult producers in Napa Valley. Their wines consistently gather high scores from critics, and they command high demand among collectors.
Final Thoughts
Established in the rich, historical soils of the Rutherford appellation, the vineyard was planted in 1945 and has since gathered a cult following. Under the guidance of renowned winemaker Celia Welch, Scarecrow wines offer a profound experience of depth, elegance, and terroir expression, firmly rooted in a legacy that marries tradition with meticulous vineyard management. For connoisseurs and collectors seeking the pinnacle of Napa Valley viticulture, Scarecrow provides an unparalleled experience that captures the essence of one of the world's most esteemed wine regions.