Baldacci
Baldacci Family Vineyards was a lifelong dream for Thomas Baldacci, a grandson of Italian immigrants. In 1997 when he and his family purchased their vineyard, located on the southern slope of a gentle knoll in the Stags Leap District, they fell in love not only with the 20 acres of vineyard but also with carrying on the family tradition of creating wines for family and friends.
The Stags Leap District is known for its history of producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines noted for their distinctive combination of power and elegance. With origins dating back to 1916, Baldacci’s vineyard boasts soils that are proven to grow excellent quality grapes. Seven years ago the Baldaccis began replanting each block to maximize the soil structure. The Baldacci estate vineyard allows first-hand examination of the differences between the varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rootstock clones based on location, soil type and sun exposure.
The Baldaccis’ goal is to grow the finest quality grapes and minimally handle them, allowing their unique qualities to come through in the finished wine.
Winemaker Rolando Herrera has a thorough knowledge of Stags Leap vineyards. He has been intimately involved with making wine there for almost 20 years. In fact, Herrera started his winery career right next door to Baldacci, at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, where he spent 10years, the last 7 of them as cellar master. He acquired additional experience in Napa Valley at Château Potelle and Vine Cliffe Winery and with his own winemaking consulting firm before he went to work with Paul Hobbs Wines in 2001.
Rolando Herrera explains his winemaking philosophy: “to make wines with silky, velvety texture and great character-no monster tannins. My charge is to make the best wine possible while respecting the vineyard site and its terroir. Stags Leap District has the outstanding vineyard terroir that I need to make that happen.”
