Odette Estate Winery

Odette Estate Winery is the PlumpJack Group's Stags Leap District property, bringing the organization's irreverent, quality-first approach to one of Napa Valley's most prestigious and traditionally minded appellations. Founded in 2012 when the PlumpJack team (Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty) acquired a 28-acre vineyard on the Silverado Trail, Odette has rapidly established itself as one of the district's finest producers, earning scores above 95 points with a consistency that belies the estate's relative youth. The name references the swan princess from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, a nod to the grace and elegance that define both the ballet and the Stags Leap District style.

The 28-acre vineyard occupies prime Stags Leap District terroir on the Silverado Trail, with the dramatic volcanic palisades rising behind the property. The soils are the district's characteristic mix of volcanic rock, clay, and gravel, well-drained and mineral-rich. The thermal influence of the palisades, which absorb heat during the day and release it at night, creates the microclimate that gives Stags Leap wines their signature balance of power and elegance. The vineyard was significantly replanted after the PlumpJack acquisition, with each block optimized for its specific soil type and exposure.

Winemaker Jeff Owens crafts a Cabernet Sauvignon that captures the Stags Leap District's hallmark silky tannins and dark fruit with a precision that reflects the meticulous vineyard work. The estate Cabernet is the flagship, a wine that combines the district's characteristic elegance with enough concentration and structure to age gracefully. The Reserve Cabernet, from the vineyard's finest blocks, adds layers of complexity and depth. A Sauvignon Blanc provides a crisp white wine option. The wines are also available in screwcap, continuing the PlumpJack group's closure innovation.

The tasting room on the Silverado Trail is modern and welcoming, with views of the estate vineyard and the palisades beyond. Tastings are by appointment and include the full portfolio, with the staff explaining the connection between the Stags Leap District terroir and the wines' graceful character. The PlumpJack group's hospitality is characteristically warm and unpretentious, making Odette feel more accessible than many of its more established Stags Leap neighbors. The $80 fee reflects the district's prestige and the quality of the wines.

Odette demonstrates that the PlumpJack organization's talent for identifying exceptional terroir and producing world-class wine from it extends beyond their Oakville and Howell Mountain properties. The Stags Leap District vineyard completes a three-appellation portfolio that allows visitors to compare Oakville (PlumpJack), Howell Mountain (CADE), and Stags Leap (Odette) under the same ownership philosophy, one of the most instructive comparative tastings available in the valley.