Recent Press & Accolades
12 Best Wineries in Napa Valley to Visit Now
November, 2021
"They say early birds catch the worm, but early risers at Ehlers Estate will catch the first pours of the day while they watch the mist lift from the vineyard—and that sounds a whole lot better to us. Morning tastings take place at 9:30 a.m., when the vineyard is at its quietest and most serene. You’ll feel like you have the entire valley to yourself as you arrive to find freshly baked croissants awaiting you. Knowledgeable tour guides will then pour five current releases and share stories about the history of the property..."
The Best Wine Clubs for Pros and Casual Drinkers Alike
September 13, 2021
"The historic Napa Valley winery Ehlers Estate offers one of the most robust winery club experiences in California wine country, according to Samantha Weiss-Hills, Deputy Editor of Commerce for SAVEUR and Domino. “Winemaker Laura Díaz Muñoz is making some of the best Cabernet Franc I’ve tasted this side of the Atlantic,” says Weiss-Hills, noting that Díaz Muñoz is also making an interesting Petit Verdot varietal. Ehlers Estate offers three different wine club experiences ranging in shipment size and selection theme, but our personal pick is the Cellar Allocation."
August, 2021
Ehlers Estate 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
93 Points
"Really solid, this red has a brambly edge, with plum, blackberry and red currant preserve notes showing good energy, thanks in part to a buried sassafras streak, all backed by a roasted apple wood- and licorice snap-fueled finish. Drink now through 2030."
Ehlers Estate 2018 Cabernet Franc
92 Points
"Rock solid, there's a nice hint of tobacco leaf running along the edges of a core of fresh and vivid red and black currant fruit, while subtle singed wood and warm earth accents fill in underneath. Shows nice loamy grip at the end. Drink now through 2030."
July/August 2021
Ehlers Estate 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
94 Points
"A glossy, glassy array of citrus, tropical fruits and white flowers. Creamy to the finish, with a light patter of papaya and salted pears. Aged 22% in concrete egg, 72% stainless steel, and 6% new French oak puncheon."
Ehlers Estate 2018 Petit Verdot
96 Points
"A perfectly crafted, small production 100% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in French oak. From its bounty of boysenberry, dried violets, and crushed stone to its bittersweet dark chocolate notes, the flavors and textures join forces for this big-bodied red. "
August/September 2021 Buying Guide
Ehlers Estate 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
94 Points
"This elegant white was aged in stainless steel, neutral French oak and concrete egg, with just a hint of newer oak. Juicy in pear, lime and wet stone, it offers well-integrated acidity and brightness throughout, with a slate-like texture and hints of baking spice and herb."
10 Enchanting California Sauvignon Blancs Up to 92 Points
June, 2020
"This fragrant version offers bright Meyer lemon flavors on a sleek core, showing honeysuckle, peach blossom and ripe melon notes, with mouthwatering acidity and details of candied lemon peel on the finish. Drink now. 900 cases made.—M.W. 92 points"
Read the Article (requires subscription)
A Winemaker With Spanish Roots Makes Bordeaux-Inspired Wine in Napa
May 2, 2020
"Wine is a global commodity, but also a vehicle for exploring and expressing the world’s traditions, cultures and nuances.
Few embody this fact better than Laura Díaz Muñoz, who was born and studied enology in Madrid, then went on to hone her technical winemaking skills in terroirs across Europe, New Zealand and South America. She helped launch Galerie Wines for Jackson Family Wines in 2012, and then joined Ehlers Estate in Napa."
Santé Magazine
Mother's Day Wines From Women Vintners
May 3, 2021
"Diaz Muñoz was born in Madrid, Spain. After studying biology and food science, she pursued a master’s degree in enology and viticulture and made wine in Spain, New Zealand, and then Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Recruited to Ehlers in 2018, Diaz Muñoz has studied the characteristics of each Ehlers vineyard block. In the cellar, she uses a mix of fermentation methods from stainless steel to concrete egg and aged French oak with extended battonage, stirring of the lees (spent yeast). All these decisions produce exceptional sauvignon blanc."
13 Superb New Sauvignon Blancs to Drink This Spring
April 26, 2021
"A combination of neutral oak, concrete egg and a new French puncheon were employed in making this steal of an SB from Ehlers. Wet-stone freshness opens along with citrus that leans in the lime direction, with hints of white blossoms wafting from the glass as well. There’s a lovely balance of mouth-feel and texture here with brightness and vividness. Lemon, grapefruit and white peach get a little splash of orange on the finish. This is one to drink all summer long."
2020 Results
Wine of the Year by Varietal:
2017 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon
Double Gold:
2017 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon - 97 pts
2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 pts
2016 Portrait Red Blend - 96 pts
Gold:
2017 Cabernt Franc - 94 pts
2017 Merlot - 91 pts
The New Merlots In The Market
October 3, 2020
Ehlers Estate Merlot 2017 ($55)—Another big Merlot, this one from St. Helena in Napa Valley. Blended from three different clones, it has more complexity than most from that region, and the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon gives it some spine, and 22 months in barrel harmonizes the whole of it. Sugar levels went high at first, then settled down, so this came out at 14.5%. Roast veal would be ideal with this wine. But at $55 it’s getting up near the top of Merlot prices in America.
Finding a Home Far From Their Homeland
Oct/Nov 2020
"Hailing from Spain's bustling capital city, Madrid, winemaker and general manager Laura Díaz Muñoz of Ehlers Estate in St Helena became enchanted by wine during family vacations to Galicia, where she sipped Albariño with her father while watching the fishing boats."
Read the article - pg 20
These Are The 22 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley, According to Sommeliers
July 2020
"As a sommelier, wine quality is also extremely important when thinking about wineries to visit," says Martin Sheehan-Stross, Chaine Des Rotisseurs Best Young Sommelier International 2016. "Ehlers bottles wines that are impeccably balanced. They are dense and rich, but also fragrant and spicy. The fact that the winery supports a great cause is really the cherry on the sundae.”
The Best Organic Wines on the Market Right Now
June 2020
"In 2008, Ehlers Estate gained its organic certification in California. The 2017 is the most recent vintage of the winery’s 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is named after the year that Bernard Ehlers built the stone barn that remains standing today. The tasting notes for this wine include enticing flavors and aromas like cassis, wild blackberries, licorice, and tobacco leaf. $125"Read the article
Ehlers Estate: Fine Wine and A Larger Purpose
April 2020
