Vincent Arroyo is a name that is synonymous with Napa Valley. He was an integral part of the second wave of pioneers who saw potential in this valley, and with steady determination he turned his family name into one that now garners quite a bit of attention and prestige. Despite his success and fame, Vincent is one of the most humble men I’ve had the pleasure of meeting! Still to this day, he delivers wine to ACME himself, with a broad smile ear to ear. Now approaching his late 70’s, instead of looking towards retirement, Vincent is deeply involved in the launch of his new winery called Otra Vez, and WOW did this wine impress us!
Vincent first came to the Napa Valley in 1973 inspired by a San Francisco Chronicle listing for a property that was for sale in Calistoga. Even though Vincent grew up in Hollister surrounded by farms, he had no background in farming. Still, he felt a call to own rural land. With 23 acres of prune orchards and neglected Zinfandel vines now under his stewardship, Vincent took a full year away from his work and spent every waking moment volunteering his efforts amongst his neighbors in exchange for mentorship. Slowly, he cultivated his vineyards and began to make modest amounts of wine. Today, his family estate in Calistoga is considered one of the classic establishments, and he is certainly not overlooked for his contributions to the development of this valley.
Just down the street from the Arroyo Winery is Otra Vez, which launched with its first vintage in 2013. The name Otra Vez translates to ‘once again’ in Spanish, and ties both his family heritage, (Vincent’s father immigrated from the small village of Bóveda del Río Almar just outside of Salamanca), as well as the sentiment of a second venture. The label reflects a crest that depicts four aspects of Vincent’s passions and tributes: dogs, grapevines, olive trees, and a triangle and T-Square which is in reference to his former career as a mechanical engineer.
The focus of Otra Vez is on a single wine each year – a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from two Calistoga vineyards, Rattlesnake Acres which is situated on the hillside and benefits from excellent sun exposure and drainage, and the Collins Vineyard benefits from the rich, heavy soils of the valley floor. Each vintage, the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon but the percentages of grapes from each vineyard vary from year to year in order to showcase the best possible wine. And the 2015 absolutely over delivers in its finesse! Aromas open with black current, cedar, wet earth and crushed violets. The palate follows with robust red fruit that dissipates into soft, lush tannins and a lengthy finish. Plush and generous, this is quality Napa Valley Cabernet that would age beautifully in your cellar, but is drinking so beautifully right now! For $39 from a classic producer, this wine is sure to one day be anointed into the top ranks of Napa Valley wine brands. And just think, you can be among the first to know!
