First planted in the late 1860s and situated on the sloped foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, this eastern-facing single vineyard greets every day with the dawn of the morning sun. Owned by the Bettinelli family, its name references the silhouette of these very foothills, as they give the appearance of a lady lying on her side. Having its roots on Yountville’s western edge of town, the cool afternoon winds help the fruit maintain freshness while showcasing the expressive minerality that has become a hallmark of the site.
– Horace Greeley“Go West, young man,
and grow up with the country.”
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Sleeping Lady Vineyard Yountville
Paul Goldberg, Giancarlo and Larry Bettinelli
Sleeping Lady’s soils are a fable of ancient origins, characterized by waves of alluvial cobble transported and deposited by water from the mountains when Napa’s topography was awash with prehistoric rivers. This thick layer of porous gravel allows water to move freely, promoting excellent drainage and preventing water from pooling and stressing the vines. The flowing water acts as a sifter, leaving coarser materials closer to the course, while finer particles are carried downstream resulting in a soil profile with distinct layers. Planted to six different clones, the fruit from this heritage site transcends beauty and grace, presenting wines of impeccable structure and sophisticated complexity.
“Our connection with the Phelps family dates back to 1975, when my father, Larry, first sold fruit from the Reese Vineyard, now known as Sleeping Lady Vineyard, to Joseph Phelps. From there, we had the privilege of farming some of Phelps’ most prestigious estate vineyards. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and we’re thrilled to continue working with the Phelps family as they embark on this exciting new chapter with Hensel West.”
- Giancarlo Bettinelli
Steltzner Vineyard Stags Leap District
Nestled at the feet of the Stags Leap District Palisades, this single vineyard was planted by third generation Californian Dick Steltzner in 1964. With just under 30 acres planted to vine, and known for its distinct combination of soil types, Steltzner Vineyard showcases the unique characteristics of the AVA which has been instrumental in Napa lore since 1976’s Judgement in Paris. It was the primary source for the inaugural vintage of Joseph Phelps Insignia, and contains a 5-block section of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with less than an acre each of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Sangiovese.
The vineyard sits on an alluvial fan that cascaded down from the Vaca Mountains many moons ago. A mixture of volcanic, marine, and sandy soils are intertwined with spots of heavy loam and clay soils, which directly contribute to the feminine and complex profile that the Stag’s Leap District has become known for. Situated on the eastern bench of the AVA, the fruit from this vineyard possesses a more feminine identity, with tremendous fruit purity, exceptional balance, and refined tannins that provide a wonderful contrast to the fruit.
“The Phelps family became part of our story in 1974, when they purchased Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from my father that would later become the first-ever Joseph Phelps Insignia. In fact, Will’s grandfather was so impressed by the quality of the fruit that he went on to purchase the vineyard across the road with my father’s help. At the time, Napa Valley was an emerging wine region with a collective spirit that together we could make exceptional, world-class wines. When Will called me, it was an immediate yes. The opportunity to continue building and crafting exceptional wines alongside a fellow next-generation vintner was something I couldn’t turn down. I’m honored to be part of this next chapter with Hensel West.”
- Allison Steltzner
Tench Vineyard Oakville
Margaret Tench
Situated on the Oakville bench where the valley floor and the Vaca Mountains meet, the increasingly diverse soils of the Tench Vineyard are the perfect home for growing world-class fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon from the Tench Vineyard was an instrumental component in Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia from 1975 to the late 1990s, and both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from this vineyard are key pieces of the Hensel West puzzle. Hensel West also makes their wine at the Tench winery in Oakville.
Tench’s soil consists of iron-rich rocky terrain which is reflected in its Mars-like red dirt, with an underbelly of well-draining volcanic ash and gravel that adds character and depth to the landscape. Planted to 42 acres, the surrounding hills have fostered a unique micro-climate that produces wines of restrained precision and focus. Afternoon winds provide the vines a much needed respite from the late-day sun, and the vineyard’s natural south-facing exposition helps produce fruit with tremendous energy and vibrancy.
“Joseph Phelps was the first to purchase grapes from our family in 1977, establishing both our reputation and a cherished friendship. My grandparents later celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Phelps winery — a reflection of that deep bond. Today, I’m honored to carry it forward with Will & Amanda Phelps of Hensel West.”
- Margaret Tench
Hyde Vineyard Carneros
Hyde Vineyard is widely considered one of California’s premiere vineyards. Established in 1979 by Larry Hyde, its landscape spans between 150-200 acres of the Carneros AVA. The vineyard’s rolling hills are enshrouded with daily morning fog from the San Pablo Bay to the south, and are caressed by afternoon breezes from the Petaluma Gap to the west, providing the ideal ecosystem for fruit to ripen slowly and evolve on its own time.
Hyde’s soil composition of dark red, Haire clay loam lies above an underbelly of alluvial sediments and substrata, fostering an environment of low yielding, concentrated fruit with vibrant aromatics and structured acidity. The vines respond in harmony with the terroir, producing fewer clusters that possess supreme concentration, resulting in an extended growing season that helps achieve exceptional balance. These prime conditions allow the vines to express the spicy and savory nature of the varietal, perfectly channeling the elegant mystery of Syrah’s wild identity.
“Our history with the Phelps family began with my dad, Larry, working at Joseph Phelps in 1975. Shortly after we founded Hyde Vineyards in 1979, the Phelps family began purchasing fruit from our vineyard to produce exceptional Syrah for over 30 years, and it’s a pleasure to continue to work with Will and Amanda as they start a new chapter with Hensel West.”
– Chris Hyde
Riverbound Vineyard Yountville
Tom Gamble
The name Riverbound is a reference to the vineyard being surrounded on both sides by North to south flowing tributaries situated in the heart of Yountville. Connecting Mount St. Helena and Lake Hennessy to the San Pablo Bay, these two bodies of water retain fog throughout the growing season for longer hours compared to neighboring vineyards, enabling the soil to retain moisture throughout the growing season.
Composed of silted gravel, sand and flood-plain soils of volcanic origin deposited over time by the adjacent waterways, this well draining, fertile valley floor dirt has a gravelly, pebble-like quality, with alluvial deposits that lend mineral-driven characteristics to the grapes. Warm, sunny days gently drift into cool evenings, yielding sophisticated fruit that echoes the charm of old world whites with an identity that is unmistakably Napa Valley.
“More than 20 years ago, when my young adventure into wine was cutting through the tangles of a very rough patch, I looked up from a solace filled wine glass while sitting at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen bar in St. Helena. Will’s grandfather had taken the stool next to me. We started chatting. After sharing a meal, a bottle of wine, and business challenges, Joseph Phelps paid the tab and told me upon parting: “Hang in there. It’s worth it.” Indeed, it is. Now Will Phelps is starting his individual wine journey. I am more than pleased to be part of it. Hang in there, Will. It’s worth it!”
- Tom Gamble