Our Top USA Producers of 2022 and 2023

Wine Team New York | November 16, 2023

We are proud to have been able to offer a diverse selection of the most historic and up-and-coming producers from the United States over the last 23 months. From Oregon to the Central Coast, these wines leave no doubt that the U.S. is turning out more exciting wines than ever before. In case you missed these fantastic offerings, the New York Wine Retail Team has compiled a list of our top sellers and most beloved wines that we have offered in 2022 and 2023.

Dominus
The story of Dominus begins with Christian Moueix, a name synonymous with excellence in winemaking. Hailing from the renowned Moueix family of Bordeaux, France, Christian brought his wealth of experience to the United States in the 1980s. Drawn to the potential of the New World, he envisioned creating wines that would reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley, combining his Old World expertise of Bordeaux with the innovative spirit of California.

While Napanook is the second wine to the flagship of the estate, it truly holds its own as a distinct, powerful, and expressive bottling of the Yountville appellation of Napa Valley.

Kistler
Characterized by rolling hills and valleys that create diverse microclimates within the region, the Russian River Valley of Sonoma has rightfully earned its reputation as an exceptional region for Pinot Noir cultivation. The cool climate, diverse soils, and varied topography contribute to wines with a perfect balance of acidity, fruit expression, and complexity.

Kistler was founded by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler in 1978 and remains one of the most coveted producers of Burgundian varieties in Sonoma County. Kistler Vineyards is dedicated to traditional winemaking methods, emphasizing minimal intervention to allow the expression of the terroir, always with an emphasis on freshness and vibrancy.

Corison
Cathy Corison's journey in the wine industry began in the 1970s, a time when female winemakers were a rarity. Undeterred by societal norms, she pursued her passion, becoming one of the first women to earn a degree in Enology from the University of California, Davis.

One of the hallmarks of the Corison wines is their subtlety and elegance. Cathy Corison's winemaking philosophy revolves around restraint, inviting contemplation.

While rooted in tradition, Cathy Corison embraces innovation. State-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the science behind winemaking complement the intuitive, artistic approach she brings to each vintage. This harmonious blend of tradition and modernity results in wines that capture the essence of both time and place.

Aubert
The Aubert journey began in the early 2000s when Mark Aubert, a visionary winemaker with a pedigree forged in prestigious estates, embarked on a mission to carve his own legacy.

In the early stages, Aubert identified vineyards that would become the bedrock of his winemaking venture. These initial selections, carefully chosen across Sonoma County and Napa Valley, laid the foundation for the diverse and exceptional portfolio that Aubert Wines boasts today.

One of the defining features of Carneros is its cool and often fog-laden climate. The region's proximity to the cool waters of the San Pablo Bay moderates temperatures, creating a microclimate that is well-suited for growing Chardonnay. The slow ripening process that results from this cool climate allows the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining a crunchy acidity.

Spottswoode
Founded in 1882, Spottswoode has a rich history that spans over a century. Originally a country inn, the estate transitioned into a vineyard in 1910 and has been under family ownership for three generations. The Novak family, who acquired the property in 1972, has been instrumental in preserving its legacy while propelling Spottswoode to new heights of winemaking distinction.

Spotteswoode's estate vineyard spans 46 acres of prime Napa Valley soil in the renowned St. Helena appellation. The vineyard's unique microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, provides an ideal environment for cultivating Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Spottswoode's commitment to sustainability goes beyond the vineyard and into every aspect of its operations. The estate is certified organic, and the winery is powered by renewable energy sources. By embracing environmentally conscious practices, Spottswoode exemplifies the intersection of exceptional-quality winemaking and ethical responsibility.

Piedrasassi
Piedrasassi was founded by Sashi Moorman and Peter Hunken and is known for its focus on producing Rhône varieties like Syrah and Grenache. Sashi is a respected former Chef and current rock-star winemaker.

Central Coast Syrah strikes a beautiful balance between Old World elegance and New World boldness. The Piedrasassi wines exhibit the refined structure associated with Old World Syrahs, coupled with the bold fruit expression that characterizes the New World style.

Bien Nacido Vineyard is a renowned vineyard located in the Santa Maria Valley. The name "Bien Nacido" translates to "well-born" in Spanish, a nod to the perfectly situated location for cool-climate varieties.

Piedrasassi is truly one of the sleeper hits in the Sotheby’s Wine Retail collection!