Vintage Chronicles: A Curated Wine Series at SkyFire

Established by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has dedicated almost five decades to becoming one of North America's leading producers of Napa Valley wines. Since its humble beginnings with an inaugural vintage of 800 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1978, the vineyard has expanded its offerings to include Sauvignon Blanc in 1982. Duckhorn Vineyards remains committed to a tradition of unparalleled quality and excellence that endures to this day.

Since 1844, Penfolds has thrived on a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our enduring success has been propelled by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It all began with the pioneering efforts of Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, who dared to dream big, crafting tonics, brandies, and fortified wines using Australian grapes and abundant sunshine. This legacy was carried forward by esteemed figures like Alf Vesey, Ray Beckwith, and Max Schubert, revered icons in winemaking who propelled our evolution to remarkable, daring heights.

The Chave family, based in Hermitage, northern Rhône, France, is celebrated for their exceptional red and white wines. Led by Gérard and Jean-Louis, they draw on centuries of expertise to craft wines that embody Hermitage's essence of power, nuance, and longevity. Their skillful blending of grapes from different lieux-dits produces harmonious wines with remarkable aging potential. Notably, Bessards Syrah anchors the reds, while century-old Marsanne vines from Péléat monopole define the whites. In special vintages, they create the rare Cuvée Cathelin to highlight classic elements. Their St. Joseph rouge reflects traditional winemaking, showcasing meticulous farming and minimal intervention to express the true essence of northern Rhône terroir.

Maison Louis Latour, founded in 1797 and based in Burgundy, France, is a renowned merchant and owner of red and white wines. Family-owned since its inception, it boasts the largest Grand Cru holding in the Côte d'Or, spanning 28.63 hectares (70.7 acres). With a history dating back to the 17th century, the Latour family has steadily expanded their unique Domaine to 50 hectares (120 acres). Notable holdings include Château Corton Grancey and Corton Grancey winery in Aloxe-Corton, the latter being the first purpose-built winery in France, constructed in 1834. Louis Latour's longstanding commitment to quality and tradition led to its admission to the exclusive Hénokiens club in 1997, reserved for family-owned companies with over 200 years of history bearing the founder's name.

Raised in San Luis Obispo, Kermit Lynch rebelled against his father's church's communion wine, later embracing fermented grape juice. In 1972, he founded Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant with $5,000, focusing on Old World wines. Lynch's advocacy for authentic wines earned him two James Beard awards and the French Legion of Honor. Beyond his Berkeley store, he co-owns Domaine Les Pallières in Gigondas and is a published author and musician. With his wife, photographer Gail Skoff, Lynch divides his time between Berkeley and Provence, close to Domaine Tempier, a favorite wine producer.