About the Wine

Essere is the Italian verb “To Be”. Originally founded by Frank D’Ambrosio, this small lot winery is steeped in Napa Valley history with a collection of award-winning wines. The D’Ambrosio Family are long-time entrepreneurs and grape growers in Napa Valley with over 70 acres of land in Napa Valley located primarily between Coombsville and the Oak Knoll district (AVA). Under the cover of night, Frank has been supplying grapes to some of the premier producers in Napa.

In the early 1980s, the D’Ambrosio family entered into the grape-growing business focusing on using premium farming techniques. This was important since Frank knew that "you can’t make great wines unless you start with great grapes". 

Frank grew the farming business to over 200 acres of prime vineyards and his fruit was in demand and was sold to a number of well-known high-end producers in Napa Valley. In 2006, the family decided to also step into the winemaking side of the business and released their first vintage. Through the years, the family created various labels and a very dedicated and loyal following.

Tom Foster is the masterming behind these wines. Tom's love for science, nature, and the allure of Napa Valley's wineries led him inevitably to a career in winemaking. He gained expertise with some industry legends like Nils Venge at Groth Winery, Genevieve Janssens at Opus One, Tim Mondavi at Mondavi, and Patrick Leon at Mouton-Rothschild.

This journey influenced his winemaking philosophy. Now, at Essere Napa, Tom's passion shines as he crafts estate wines that reflect their unique roots. His devotion and energy shape Essere's remarkable wines, continuing their story.

2018 was an iconic year for Napa Cab. Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a "Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

Aging: 18 months in 80% New French Oak

Tasting notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

This winery's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Coombsville. Cassis, cedar and vanilla are joined by a hint of dark chocolate on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and richly textured, with a long, velvety finish tinged with wood spice. It's a solid effort at a fair price by Napa standards. ~91 Robert Parker

An outstanding effort, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich, mouth-filling style with lots of chocolate, coffee, and herbal notes, mostly black fruits, good overall balance, and medium to full-bodied richness on the palate. Give it a few years. ~90+ Jeb Dunnuck

Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry and leather. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Rich and intense, with an array of black fruit. Bright acidity. Coffee finish. Drink now. ~90 James Suckling

***Free Shipping on 6 or more bottles of this wine***