Kuleto

Kuleto Estate sits on a mountaintop on the eastern edge of Napa Valley, in the hills above Lake Hennessey and the town of Rutherford, making mountaintop wines that echo the spirit of Burgundy and Tuscany. The property holds 82 individual vineyard blocks across three distinct soil types and a wide range of elevations and exposures, which is an extraordinary palette for a small portfolio.

Michael gives it a perfect 10 for ambiance and a 9 for wine, an 8.7 average that ranks among the very highest in this collection. The problem is access: the property has remained closed for guest experiences since the impacts of the 2020 Hennessey Fire, with no reopening date published. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese and Muscat are all produced. Check 707-302-2209 for status before building it into a route on the eastern hills.