Laird Family Estate – 87
Wednesday, June 1st, 2005
I had the mistaken impression that Andy Beckstoffer was the largest land owner of vineyards in the Napa Valley. A recent visit to Laird Family Estate Winery set that misconception to rest. Ken Laird and his wife, Gail, purchased their first piece of land (a prune orchard!) in Calistoga in 1970.
Now, 35 years later, the Lairds own over 2,500 acres of prime vineyard real estate. And for years and years, they only sold their grapes to other wineries. They didn’t actually start making their own wine with all this acquired grape wealth until 1998, when they broke ground to construct an amazing building at the doorway to the Napa Valley at the beginning of the Oak Knoll District.
The story is told that the architect actually had originally developed this complex for Quintessa, who ultimately went with a different design. Several years later, the plans were presented to Ken who modified them for his own needs. It is stunning and I’m sure a tour of the production facilities would show amazing technological feats for while Laird’s personal winery produces around 4,500 cases (only 1% of the grapes he actually grows), his estate acts as a Custom Crush facility for the dozens of other wineries he continues to sell to. But visiting Laird is to to witness the family’s accomplishments and taste their excellent wine:
2004 Cold Creek Ranch Pinot Grigio – Initial bouquet of orange blossom with a hint of white peaches. A bright, zingy entry produces grapefruit that is smooth and easy to drink. $16.00
2002 Carneros Chardonnay – 100% malo. Ripe, blossomy orange blossoms integrate with honey suckle and vanilla to show intense elegance. A clear, pronounced entry displays darker, more integrated flavors of fig and caramel. $30.00
2001 Red hen Ranch Chardonnay – 100% malo fermented in 75% new French oak. Ripe white stone fruit layers with vanilla that is clear and crips. Butter shows up in the back-palate. $40.00
2001 Cold Creek Ranch Chardonnay, Carneros – 100% malo. Creamy and rich, dark dried apricot with roasted nuts. $40.00
2000 Carneros Merlot – With 10% to 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Initial aromas of dark cherry and earthy mushrooms with a hint of green bell pepper. Easy and smooth red fruit meet the mouth and expand to show herbal and spicy qualities with keep going. $40.00
2000 Suscol Ranch Merlot – Ripe red berries and plums with darker cassis greet the nose but subside to display hints of darker tobacco. A jammy, spicy mouth entry heightens with loganberry that continues to a long finish which remains a bit tight. $50.00
2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Clear garnet in color, bouquet of dark cherry and blackberry show jammy, plummy flavors that enters with spice but layers and integrates with deep earth. $40.00
2000 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Ruby colors with brick tones on the edge, dark vanilla and blackberry excites the nose. A smooth, velvety entry is elegant and rich continuing the dark berry and finishing with brown sugar spice. $80.00
Laird Family Estate ~ 5055 Solano Avenue ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 707-257-0360