David Arthur Vineyards

David Arthur Vineyards is a Pritchard Hill estate producing rich, concentrated Cabernets from volcanic hillside vineyards that share the exclusive neighborhood with Colgin, Continuum, and Chappellet. Founded in 1985 by David and Bob Long, the estate occupies 35 acres on the slopes of Pritchard Hill, the eastern hillside above Lake Hennessey that many winemakers consider the finest Cabernet terroir in Napa Valley. The Meritaggio red blend, the estate's flagship, has earned consistently strong reviews and a devoted following among collectors who appreciate Pritchard Hill's distinctive character.

The 35-acre vineyard sits on the volcanic soils of Pritchard Hill at elevations that provide intense sunlight and the wide temperature swings that produce deeply colored, concentrated fruit. The hillside's south-facing exposure ensures that the Cabernet ripens fully, while the elevation keeps nighttime temperatures cool enough to preserve natural acidity. The volcanic soils contribute the mineral intensity that distinguishes Pritchard Hill wines from the softer, fruitier wines produced on the valley floor below.

Winemaker Nile Zacherle produces the Meritaggio red blend as the estate's calling card, a Cabernet-dominant wine that incorporates Cabernet Franc and other Bordeaux varieties in proportions that shift with each vintage. The wine is rich and layered, with the dark fruit and firm tannins of Pritchard Hill fruit and a mineral complexity that reflects the volcanic terroir. An estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay round out the portfolio. The wines are well-priced relative to their Pritchard Hill neighbors.

Tastings are by appointment on the Pritchard Hill estate, where the views over Lake Hennessey and the valley provide one of the most dramatic settings available. The $95 fee includes the portfolio and the Pritchard Hill experience.

David Arthur demonstrates that Pritchard Hill's extraordinary terroir extends beyond the handful of cult names that dominate headlines. The Meritaggio's consistent quality and relative value make it one of the most accessible ways to taste Pritchard Hill's volcanic character without the years-long mailing list waits that the hill's most famous neighbors require.