2018 Strala Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 750 ml

When Jason Ray, founder of Napa Select Vineyard Services, and his wife Laura created Stråla Vineyards, these was no question he would have access to some pretty choice vineyard sources for the wines. As someone who farmed client vineyards for Thomas Rivers Brown and Philippe Melka—not to mention the late legends Warren Winiarski and Mike Grgich, Ray had the inside track on some very special terroirs.  

Before too long Stråla became known as an “insider’s” label in Napa Valley, and their remarkable 2018 Proprietary Red Wine demonstrates why collectors in the know are eagerly adding these bottles to their cellars.

This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 16% Zinfandel showcases the exceptional fruit sourced from select vineyard locations that Jason has cultivated relationships with over his 19 years of farming more than 1,500 acres in Napa and Sonoma. The result is a wine that reflects its terroir and the outstanding vintage, Wine Spectator’s highest-rated Napa vintage ever, at 99 points.

This 2018 wine was made by Massimo Monticelli, who began his career as Silver Oak’s enologist. Since 2021, the renowned Maayan Koschitzky, Director of Winemaking for Atelier Melka, has helmed Stråla’s winemaking efforts. Koschitzky brings his expertise from working with some of Napa's most prestigious labels like Lail, Vice Versa, and Fairchild to Stråla. 

The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is true to its vintage and impeccable vineyard sourcing. It's a wine of depth and elegance, showcasing Napa Valley's finest fruit made with Bordeaux-like precision. The wine's structure suggests excellent aging potential.

Stråla, meaning "to shine brightly, emit rays, radiate light," perfectly encapsulates the Rays' mission to illuminate the wine country lifestyle through their wines.