Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth has been following the growing portfolio of Gaylon Lawrence Jr. since his family purchased Napa Cabernet icon Heitz Cellar in 2018. Lawrence added Napa's historic Wildwood and Haynes vineyards in 2019, and Burgess Cellars on Howell Mountain and Stony Hill on Spring Mountain in 2020. The Lawrence family has also launched two new wine brands in 2021, Ink Grade on Howell Mountain and Brendel in St. Helena.
In the Vineyard at Heitz Cellar
Winemaker Brittany Sherwood explains how the iconic Napa winery protects its Trailside Vineyard grapes from sun damage and dehydration during heat spikes. Read James Molesworth's full report.
In the Vineyard at Burgess Cellars
Winemaker Meghan Zobeck gives us a look at the ongoing vineyard upgrades at Burgess Cellars on Howell Mountain and explains the concept of "regenerative farming." Read the full report.
In the Vineyard at Ink Grade
Winemaker Matt Taylor invited senior editor James Molesworth for a look at Ink Grade's Cabernet vineyard on Howell Mountain.
In the Vineyard at Stony Hill
Decades ago, the historic Stony Hill winery built its name on flinty Chardonnay and bracing Riesling. Now the estate on Napa's Spring Mountain has new owners and a new winemaking team, including winemaker Jaimee Motley, who took us on a tour of the vineyard. Read the full report.
Follow James Molesworth on Instagram at @jmolesworth1, and on Twitter at @jmolesworth1.
