Napa Valley
Truly a family affair, Stanton Vineyards was founded in the 1940s when Jesse Stanton purchased his first vineyards. He eventually turned them over to his son John, who moved to Napa Valley in 1971 with his young son Doug and took over all vineyard operations. Current winemaker and owner Doug Stanton started learning the business at the tender age of 12 years and is still going strong. Doug tells Club 672 that he “oversees just about everything including all growing decisions, crop level, leafing for sunlight exposure, irrigation, and cultivation.” He also participates in barrel selection and fermentation decisions. Doug’s daughter, Natalie, assists with social media and hosts guests for tastings at the ranch. She also pours at wine events and helps with office administration including emails and website maintenance.
Stanton Vineyards has three properties with vines including one in Oakville and two in Saint Helena. The Oakville vineyard was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1991 and has a total of 42 acres. Besides making his eponymous wine, Doug also sells grapes from this property to Cain, Groth, and Del Dotto. Regarding the wine recently sent to Robb Report Club 672 Napa Wine Club members Doug wants members to know “that this wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 100% estate grown fruit sourced from a select 2 acres of our historic Oakville block which we have owned since 1952. This wine is built to age, yet it is also built to enjoy now.”
Doug’s first vintage of the Stanton Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1999. He recalls that his limited production was “approximately 140 cases that year.” He also produces a Saint Helena Petite Sirah that averages around 200 cases per year and a Reserve Cabernet sourced from his Oakville property. It premiered in 2016, and he notes, “The reserve is very limited production, around 100 cases per vintage.” He also let us know that he is going to produce a 25 year anniversary 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that he is very excited about. He makes his wines at neighboring Del Dotto Vineyards “under the watchful eye of their wonderful wine making team led by Robbie Meyer.” Stanton’s wines have been made there since 2017.
Doug’s wines are available through two distributors in California as well as a few select distributors in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Florida. Doug and his daughter host tastings at their ranch headquarters in Saint Helena. They are available by appointment, and very much appreciate booking in advance.
For more about Stanton wines, visit Doug’s website www.stantonvineyards.com or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.