Meadowcroft Winery
“It is only the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”- Antoine de Saint Exupery.
This quote hangs in the winery tasting room at the property in Napa.
Meadowcroft is the namesake of winemaker Tom Meadowcroft. The meaning of Meadowcroft is a fertile field or meadow, and croft refers to a cultivated area that has been nurtured over time. The honeybee on the label represents the conscientious work and the process of transformation from wine grapes into outstanding wine.
Tom’s passion for wine stems from his experience growing up, working, and traveling in Europe and the Untied States. Early in life he began his journey in winemaking by working a harvest in Bordeaux in 1979. Following that harvest, he studied at UC Davis and Napa College, graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. After earning his degrees, Tom worked in both Napa and Washington State as a Vineyard Manager, focusing on sustainable farming practices and environmental advocacy. Throughout his career, Tom has managed dozens of properties in Napa and Sonoma, all along instilling core principles relating to wine cultivation; from the growing of the vines to what goes in the bottle as an end result. These experiences are what inspired his vision for Meadowcroft Winery, that he proudly produces today, along with his executive winemaker Petar Kirilov.
Petar Kirilov began helping his father craft wine at a very young age at his family home in Bulgaria. His passion for winemaking led him to pursue his master’s degree in winemaking at the University of Food Technologies in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, a prestigious national education and science center for food science, technology and engineering. After graduation Petar worked in Bulgaria as a winemaker, and was selected for an esteemed internship at Truchard Vineyards in Napa Valley. Petar wanted to develop his winemaking skills at an elite level, so he left his home and moved permanently to America’s most famous wine region in Napa Valley.
Petar brings over fifteen years of experience as a winemaker and has thirteen vintages of creating luxury Napa and Sonoma wines. From grape to glass, Petar maintains a hands-on approach, drawing out the best in each wine. Petar is still an avid soccer player when he is not working in the vineyards and cellar.
Carneros is a unique appellation in that it shares real estate with the two most well-known regions in California wine country- Napa and Sonoma. Carneros receives much less rain fall than its neighbors AVA (American Viticultural Area) such as Green Valley and Russian River Valley. This 58,000 acre strip of land is distinct for its gently rolling landscape and flat plain. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most widely planted varietals, but Syrah and other Rhone grape varieties are planted here as well.
Meadowcroft wines express a complex story of European wine heritage with a twist of California creativity. The wines are sourced from Napa and Sonoma and are vineyard and site specific with limited release.
Meadowcroft Chardonnay from Carneros is a lush and aromatic wine with notes of dragonfruit, lychee and baking spice, framed by primary flavors of pineapple and lemon. The long finish delivers refreshing acidity and sublte toasted oak flavors. We give it two bones.
Meadowcroft Pinot Noir from the famed Russian River Valley is deeply concentrated with inviting aromatics of cranberry, pomegranate, black cherry and subtle herbal notes. Layers of cherry cola, notes of black licorice and ripe fresh cherries- a true expression of cool climate Pinot! We give it three bones.
Meadowcroft Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley has a rich and compelling nose of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and subtle notes of pine. Lots of structure with brambly black fruits, blueberry and minerality, the finish is lengthy and layered. We give it three bones.
Meadowcroft Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard full bodied Cab that beautifully expresses aromas of espresso bean, black currant and dried cranberry. On the palate it delivers complex yet balanced flavors of vanilla and hints of cocoa. We give it three bones.
A toast from the winemaker, Tom Meadowcroft:
“As the winemaker I am ever in the pursuit of creating wines infused with an explosive strength of diverse character that strike a soulful chord. The zeal of creativity with which I am driven is inspired by the rich cultural experience from where Meadowcroft wines originates. I proudly focus on a wide array of beautiful varietals from our Cabernet Sauvignon which is grown on our estate vineyard property located on the esteemed Mount Veeder in Napa, to Bordeaux grapes scrupulously sourced from sustainable vineyards around Dry Creek, Carneros, and Alexander Valley, I happily direct a global dialogue into my winemaking process. My hope is to create wines with a Sonoma pulse that express the complexity found in European varietals. I invite you to raise a glass of Meadowcroft and wish you bountiful gatherings and many happy toasts!”
Stop by today and take a stroll through Carneros, Napa and Sonoma in our store aisles, and look for the honeybee on Meadowcroft’s label.
By CRBrown
