Black Cordon Vineyards

A winemaker is like a ship's captain. A strong leader at the helm navigating the decisions from vineyard to bottle is vital to producing world class wine. When Karen and David Dunphy launched Black Cordon Vineyards, they knew they wanted an accomplished winemaker to steer their ship and there was only one name on their list - Paul Hobbs.

A highly regarded and award-winning winemaker, Paul Hobbs (Opus One, Simi) is most famous for his ability to identify vineyards of distinction.  As consulting winemaker he works alongside Julian Gonzalez (Constant-Diamond Mountain Vineyard, Vine Cliff, Mi Sueño Winery) and together they carry out the Black Cordon Vineyards' mission of making sensationally balanced wines of complexity and character.

The Dunphys believe crafting wine is a blend of art and science, fostered on a trip to wine country 30 years ago. It was a simpler time and place back then as they sat in many kitchens and barns tasting wines crafted by hand with the farmers/winemakers. Ultimately the wine lured them from Minnesota to Napa Valley where they now live and use science to artistically craft premium wine. 

Black Cordon was named for the arm of the vine, referred to as a "cordon". A black cordon is what you see in the shadows of a grape vine.

 

---

 

Reminisce with David and Karen about Napa Valley Then and Now on our blog site, The Daily Flight.

 

---