About this winery

Marc Gagnon left his job as director of winemaking at Bryant Family Vineyards in 2018. During a dinner at an Italian restaurant in Napa, Michael asked Marc what was next? A short time later, Marc and Michael realized that they wanted to work together. They both agreed that they wanted to explore the terroir and history of Napa Valley by making wines only from historic vineyards in the valley. The early settlers of the valley got it right when they were choosing what and where to plant. Marc and...

See the GAGNON-KENNEDY VINEYARDS detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

The 2021 vintage can be classified as a severe drought year in Napa Vallley (and throughout California). With only 7.3" of rain from January to March, bud break was early, and bloom had higher stress than typical - leading to a smaller crop. Currently, I'm drawing comparisons in the cellar to the 2015 vintage, but with much less heat towards the end of the growing season, helping retain freshness and varietal expression and individuality. I'm also finding similarities in the 2013 vinrage, one of the most exceptional vintages in history, and I foresee the 2021 vintage to be known for its structure, precision, and long-term age-ability. -- Marc Gagnon, Winemaker

Production notes

4 barrels, 100 cases. 100% new french oak. Although the vineyard has become famous for high scoring Cabernet from cult producers, Gagnon-Kennedy find this wine from the historic Beckstoffer Georges III to reflect more the historic wines than anything else. Originally planted in 1895 by the Rutherford Family, the vineyard has long been an important historical piece of the valley. In the 1920's a change in ownership to the Latour family who owned Beaulieu Vineyards occured, setting it up for fame. In the 1960's and 70's, BV released a wine called "Georges de Latour" which many consider to be the first "cult wine" of the valley. The wine was based primarily on their "vineyard number 3," hence the name.