News that luxury fashion house Chanel has purchased a Napa Valley winery means that fashionista types with shallow pockets may be able to get a taste of the high life for a fraction of the price.
Chanel, famous for its quilted, chain-link handbags, is poised to become the new owner of the St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, a 500-acre, family-owned sustainable vineyard specializing in Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blancs.
Formerly a cattle and horse ranch dating back to the 1800s, the Skalli family turned the Dollarhide Ranch into a thriving vineyard, opening its doors in 1989 and producing its signature full-bodied wines.
St. Supéry is also composed of the Rutherford Estate, planted with red Bordeaux varieties.
“I am delighted to hand over St. Supery to such a well-regarded company that understands luxury brands and will continue to enhance this special property. I am confident that they will continue my vision of a Napa Valley Chateau, crafting world class estate wines, and will build on that foundation, ever improving quality, Robert Skalli states.
Some of their critically acclaimed bottles include the 2012 Estate Élu Napa Valley Red Wine, which was given a score of 94 by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and the 2005 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon which was awarded 95 points.
Tasting notes for the 2012 Estate Elu include aromas of blackberry and black plum, espresso and vanilla; flavors of cassis, anise and toasted barrel; and a silky, dense structure.
The 2005 Dollarhide cab is described as a mature wine with black cherry, mission fig and red currant flavors.
Meanwhile, in a statement the Skalli family noted that no significant change in operations of management is anticipated, which could also signal that price points will remain largely unchanged as well. The sale is expected to close at the end of the month.
Unlike Chanel’s four to five-digit price tags which can induce sticker shock in the average income earner, St. Supéry wines clock in at a much more affordable price index, with bottles starting at $16 USD.
St. Supéry is not the first winery in Chanel’s portfolio, though it is the brand’s first American investment.
The fashion house also owns Chateau Rauzan-Ségla and Chateau Canon in France.
