Carter Cellars — Iconic Vineyards & Legendary Cabernet
Founded by Mark Carter in Calistoga, Carter Cellars stands as one of the leading estates in Napa Valley. The winery sources fruit from some of the most coveted vineyards in the region, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Las Piedras, Weitz, Hossfeld, and Coliseum Block. Since its inception, Carter has earned acclaim for its remarkably precise Cabernet Sauvignon, frequently awarded perfect scores from leading critics.
Philosophy & Winemaking
- Low yields, meticulous hand-harvesting, rigorous selection.
- Slow fermentations, gentle extraction, purity-driven aromatics.
- Extended aging in fine French oak barrels, carefully matched to each vineyard site.
The estate’s flagship wines — The O.G., The Grand Daddy, The Three Kings — are sourced from legendary blocks (notably To Kalon) and crafted for 20 to 30 years of aging.
Signature Wines
- “Carter” Cabernet Sauvignon (single-vineyard or blend) — powerful, structured, noble tannins, ripe dark fruit.
- The O.G. — Beckstoffer To Kalon — iconic, complex, deeply layered, exceptional aging capacity.
- The Grand Daddy — broad, energetic, expressive, with impressive volume.
- The Three Kings — the most concentrated and opulent, with a velvety, seductive finish.
- Single-vineyard bottlings — Weitz, Las Piedras, Hossfeld, Coliseum Block: pure expressions of their unique terroirs.
Wine Style
The wines of Carter Cellars represent the pinnacle of California Cabernet Sauvignon — richly aromatic, structurally deep, fruit-driven, and remarkably precise. They combine power with elegance, showcasing an outstanding longevity (20–30 years). Each cuvée reflects both the vintage and the distinctive character of its vineyard.