Located in the St. Helena AVA just one property south of the Duckhorn Vineyard is Titus Vineyard. The Titus family first harvested this location in 1969. If you are headed south be careful not to miss it as it is a low profile winery blocked by trees from the road, heading north the winery is much more visible and you will come across the sign for the vineyard first at the driveway entrance.

Titus has become a fan favorite as of late and is one of our favorites recently as well. Their Premiere Napa Valley Cabernet is a Rockstar of a wine. After walking into their more modern entrance you find yourself in their minimalistic but yet inviting wine shop that opens up to a gorgeous patio. In this case less is more, and the vineyard located just on the other side of the patio offers the perfect inviting backdrop that makes you want to stay for a tasting, which is exactly what we did. The patio doesn’t offer a railing on the back side but has no major drop offs. The vines come directly up to the covered patio making you feel like you are in the vines while you are tasting. These vines are note harvested and are some of the different varietals that they offer on the property. If you are there during harvest, ask to try some of the grapes and most likely they will allow you to go out to these first few non-harvested rows and grab a snack

• Our tasting included four different wines: Andronicus Red, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and the Premiere Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Our favorite of the group was of course the Premiere Napa Valley Cab; tobacco, vanilla, dark fruit, black current, sour cherry, cedar box, black raspberry, and green pepper. A long finish with a beautiful tannin structure that is well integrated and offers a nice balance.