Hundred Acre Wines

Jayson Woodbridge, a former investment banker turned winemaker, earned a stellar reputation and was dubbed the “Howard Hughes of wine” by Robert Parker. With his contrarian personality and relentless pursuit of perfection, Woodbridge drives Hundred Acre, a winery that quickly gained cult status. Since its debut in 2000, Hundred Acre has firmly established itself as a Napa Valley icon, producing exceptional California Cabernets and achieving an impressive thirty-four 100-point scores.

From Investment Banker to Wine Icon

Woodbridge’s journey to find the ideal site for his luxury Cabernets was a quest spanning multiple years, ultimately led by vineyard manager Jim Barbour. Jim discovered a parcel with the potential for Cabernet Sauvignon greatness while Woodbridge enlisted the expertise of soil specialist Philippe Melke. Melka’s assessment likened the vineyard’s composition to that of the renowned Pomerol estate, Chateau Petrus. This discovery birthed the Kayli Morgan vineyard, laying the foundation for Hundred Acre’s early triumph.

Ark (6ha) and Few and Far Between (2ha) joined the Kayli Morgan Vineyard and Hundred Acre’s repertoire currently includes single-vineyard wines from each of these estates, as well as a select array of other offerings: Ark, Deep Time,

Wraith, Precious, and Fortification.

Ark emerges from the darkest, densest lots of the Ark vineyard, while Deep Time is crafted from specially chosen barrels subjected to extended aging.

Wraith, a blend of all three vineyards, seeks to capture the vintage’s essence more than any specific plot.

Precious, the rarest gem, is only produced when Woodbridge believes a wine embodies the purest expression of Hundred Acre’s philosophy.

Lastly, Fortification is a single-vineyard fortified wine blended with Brandy distilled from a separate vineyard that adds a unique dimension to the portfolio.

Crafting Perfection

The winemaker combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology while prioritizing sustainability. He takes a meticulous approach to winemaking, ensuring exceptional vineyard care. The vineyards, maintained in excellent condition, feature an innovative misting system inspired by the Tulip Industry in Holland. This system extends the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen fully. Each vine is pruned intensively to produce only one bunch of grapes, resulting in extremely low yields.

In the cellar, advanced technology further supports quality. A unique filtration system, originally developed for a NASA space station, ensures a pristine environment. Additionally, UV light rods eliminate even the smallest micro-organisms from the air, underscoring the winemaker’s dedication to precision and excellence.

The name "Hundred Acre" is derived from the "Hundred Acre Wood", where Winnie the Pooh and his friends were living. This is what Jayson’s kids called the forest they used to play in. That forest has now become a vineyard, but by naming the wine after it, his children still get to enjoy Hundred Acre.

Where Opulence Meets Individuality

Hundred Acre wines reflect the unique and charismatic personality of their creator. These Cabernets, known for their opulence and vibrant fruit, represent one of Napa Valley’s most distinctive expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker praised them, stating, “His wines are among the most individualistic in California. Even with their lofty prices and limited availability, they merit support.”

For collectors and connoisseurs seeking rich, age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernets, Hundred Acre is the ultimate choice.