Burgess
Alpinist Red Blend
Napa Valley
- Red blend from Sorenson's Vineyard
Burgess
Napa Valley
| Vintage Wine Name | Alpinist Red Blend 2019 |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Wine Description | A red wine blend inspired by the historic cuvées of Bordeaux where Cabernet Sauvignon from the Médoc was blended with Syrah from the legendary hill of Hermitage. The name, Alpinist, is a nod to the Swiss-Italian ancestors who first planted the hillside where these grapes are grown. |
| Region | Napa Valley |
| Varietal Composition | Red blend from Sorenson's Vineyard |
| Tasting notes | In the tradition of our Swiss-Italian predecessors, we have crafted a flavorful cuvée of red grapes from the steep volcanic slopes of our Sorenson Vineyard perched high above the Napa Valley. Originally planted with vines in the 19th century, our estate vineyard yields fruit that offers a provocative harmony of aromas, flavors, and texture. The 2019 vintage brought impeccable balance to the wines of Burgess, and the Alpinist is no exception. Fresh and vibrant black and red fruit flavors take center stage behind a curtain of olive and peppercorn aromas, making this wine a veritable match for any dinner table. |
| Pairing notes | A perfect accompaniment to beef, pork and lamb dishes. This wine will complement savory dishes that feature bacon or include peppercorn or olives. |
| Alcohol % | 14.3 |
| Aging | Aged 28 months in 30% new French oak barrique, 70% neutral French oak barrique |
| SRP | 120 |
| Acclaim | 96, Tasting Panel |
|---|---|
| Feature Bullet 1 | Founded by Tom Burgess and family-owned since 1972, the estate has been part of Napa Valley winemaking history for 150 years. |
| Feature Bullet 2 | Known as Souverain from 1943-1972, Warren Winiarski, Mike Grgich, and Paul Draper begin their careers here. |
| Feature Bullet 3 | Sorenson Vineyard was first cultivated in the 1880s in what is now Crystal Springs AVA (as of 2024). |
| Feature Bullet 4 | Winemaker Reid Griggs came to Burgess in 2025 after learning from the best: Harlan Estate, MacDonald Vineyards, Dalla Valle, Ridge, and the cult St. Joseph producer Domaine Pierre Gonon |
| Feature Bullet 5 | CCOF organic and Biodynamic with regenerative farming: focus on crop diversity, soil health, livestock for weed control, and beehives |
| Winery | Burgess |
|---|---|
| Winery Description | Founded by Tom Burgess in 1972, the winery has been continuously owned and operated by the Burgess Family until the acquisition by the Lawrence Family in 2020. Burgess Cellars was purchased in 1972 from Lee Stewart of the original Souverain Winery which was located on the hillsides of Howell Mountain. The historic site drew some of Napa Valley's leading winemakers, including Mike Grgich and Warren Winiarski. In 2020 Steve Burgess passed the mantle to Gaylon Lawrence, upholding a 150-year tradition of family ownership. The winemaking and vineyard management teams embarked on an ambitious project; leading the way in regenerative and promiscuous farming in the Napa Valley in order to preserve historic vineyards and ensure the health of these vines for generations to come. |
| Winery Instagram Handle | @burgesscellars |
| Winery Hashtags | #regenerativefarming #napacab #crystalsprings #burgess |
| Winemaker | Reid Griggs |
| Winemaker Bio | Winemaker Reid Griggs came to Burgess in 2025 after learning from the best: Harlan Estate, MacDonald Vineyards, Dalla Valle, Ridge, and the cult St. Joseph producer Domaine Pierre Gonon. He makes the wines in a classical, terroir-driven style that prioritizes grace and delicacy. His interest and training in microbiology informs his approach, and his desire to preserve each vineyard’s unique terroir fingerprint. |