Ric Forman is a living legend in Napa Valley. He was instrumental in the founding of many now-powerhouse brands, including Duckhorn and Sterling. He was deeply influenced by Bordeaux winemaking of which led to a hybrid of new-world fruit flavours, old-world terroir, and savoury character.

Ric planted his vineyards in 1979 with a dream that was crystal clear from the outset — find a special site ideally suited for growing Bordeaux grape varieties that would allow him to craft wines of finesse and elegance. He’s intimately involved with all aspects of his property allowing for a focused and meticulous crafting of every wine—from land, to grape, to hand, to bottle. His vineyards are located in St. Helena and the Rutherford Bench. These terroirs are composed of volcanic rock, gravel, loam, and sand in the foothills of Howell Mountain, which produce renowned and complex Cabernets.

“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, deep wine that marries elegance and finesse in a way few people can do, like Ric Forman. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with terrific depth, the 2020 has so much to offer. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice, incense and new leather are all dialed up. Although it is early, this 2020 is shaping up to be one of the finer wines of the year.”
95 points, Antonio Galloni, VinousMedia, October 2022

“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has to be seen as a success in the vintage, revealing a solid bouquet of red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, cigar, and toasted spices. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Cabernet with a good sense of balance, moderate tannins, and outstanding length. It’s well done and should evolve for another decade at a minimum. I followed this bottle for multiple days, and it always showed well.”
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck, February 2023