Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Amici Cellars is a boutique winery that has been crafting exceptional wines since 1991. Founded by a group of friends with a passion for winemaking, Amici wine blends traditional Italian techniques with modern Californian innovation, resulting in wines that are both elegant and expressive.

What began as a small project has grown into one of Napa’s most respected producers, yet Amici wine remains dedicated to its artisanal roots. Every bottle reflects the team’s commitment to quality, from their bold Cabernet Sauvignon and refined Pinot Noir to their crisp, beautifully balanced Chardonnay.

Sourcing fruit from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, Amici carefully selects each grape to ensure depth, complexity, and harmony in every vintage. Their meticulous approach to winemaking, combined with expert barrel aging, creates wines that are rich, nuanced, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a high-quality Napa wine, Amici Cellars offers a true taste of craftsmanship and passion in every sip.

Key Takeaways

• Amici Cellars is a family-owned winery established in 1991, focusing on small-lot production of premium wines
• The winery combines Italian winemaking traditions with modern Californian techniques
• Their portfolio includes both single-vineyard wines and broader appellational blends
• Amici’s wines consistently receive high ratings from major wine critics
• The winery is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay offerings
• Their sustainable farming practices and hands-on approach contribute to wine quality
• The price-to-quality ratio is particularly strong in their appellation series wines
• Limited production ensures attention to detail in every bottle

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Amici Cabernet Sauvignon

Why I Love It: Amici Cabernet Sauvignon is a true Napa Valley gem, delivering deep blackberry and cassis flavors with a velvety texture. The well-balanced oak aging adds subtle hints of spice and dark chocolate, creating a luxurious, lingering finish. It’s bold yet smooth, making it an excellent choice for both casual sipping and special occasions.

Best For: Cabernet lovers, wine enthusiasts seeking a high-quality Napa Valley experience, and those looking for a rich, full-bodied red to pair with steaks, lamb, or aged cheeses.

Price Point: Typically priced at $65.99 per 750ml bottle, reflecting its premium quality and craftsmanship.

Amici Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Why I Love It: Amici Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the pinnacle of Napa Valley craftsmanship. With intense layers of black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, this reserve wine offers a bold yet refined profile. Aged in premium oak barrels, it delivers velvety tannins, hints of espresso, and a lingering, elegant finish. Perfect for collectors and special occasions, this wine showcases the depth and complexity of a true Napa Valley reserve.

Best For: Serious wine enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate a bold, well-structured Cabernet. Ideal for pairing with ribeye, braised short ribs, or fine cheeses.

Price Point: Typically priced at $125.99 per 750ml bottle, reflecting its premium reserve status and exceptional quality.

The Amici Story

Tucked away in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, Amici Cellars is a hidden gem that embodies the perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. What began as a small passion project among a group of friends has evolved into a respected boutique winery, producing wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with Napa’s finest.

The name Amici, meaning “friends” in Italian, reflects the winery’s origins. Founded in 1991 by John Harris, Bob Shepard, and Celia Shepard, the winery was born from a shared love for fine wine and the winemaking process. They set out to create wines that were not only of exceptional quality but also welcoming and approachable, wines that could be enjoyed by both seasoned collectors and casual wine lovers.

Their early efforts focused on small-batch Cabernet Sauvignon, with their first commercial release in 1995 gaining immediate praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Encouraged by this success, Amici expanded its production while maintaining its commitment to quality, authenticity, and balance.

A Legacy of Excellence

Today, Amici Cellars is led by winemaker Tony Biagi, whose impressive résumé includes stints at Duckhorn, PlumpJack, and Hourglass. Under his leadership, the winery has taken its craftsmanship to new heights, fine-tuning its approach to highlight the unique characteristics of each vineyard site.

While Amici has grown significantly since its founding, it has never lost the intimate, hands-on spirit that defines boutique winemaking. Every decision, from vineyard selection to barrel aging, is made with precision and care, ensuring that each bottle reflects the very best of Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

Vineyard Philosophy & Winemaking Approach

At the core of Amici’s philosophy is a vineyard-first approach. The team believes that great wine starts in the vineyard, and as such, they meticulously source grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyard sites in California.

These include:

• Rutherford – Known for its deep, dusty soils that impart structure and elegance.
• Spring Mountain – A high-elevation site producing bold, intensely flavored fruit.
• Russian River Valley – A cool-climate region famous for its vibrant, expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Unlike mass-production wineries that rely on volume, Amici wine takes a small-lot approach, treating each vineyard and vintage as a unique expression of terroir. This dedication to site-driven winemaking ensures that each bottle showcases the region’s character while maintaining a refined and balanced style.

A Fusion of Old & New World Techniques

Amici Cellars embraces a harmonious blend of traditional and modern techniques to craft wines of distinction. Some of their key winemaking practices include:

• Hand-harvesting in the early morning to preserve freshness.
• Small-lot fermentation for precise control over individual batches.
• Cold soaking and extended maceration to enhance color, tannins, and flavor complexity.
• A meticulous barrel-aging program, with a careful selection of French oak to complement the wine’s structure.

For white wines, the team employs:

• Whole-cluster pressing, which preserves delicate aromas and flavors.
• Temperature-controlled fermentation, ensuring a crisp, elegant profile.

Each step in the winemaking process is designed to highlight the purity and balance of the fruit, resulting in wines that are both expressive and approachable.

The Wine Portfolio

Amici Cellars offers a diverse portfolio that showcases the best of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Their wines consistently receive high scores from critics, making them a favorite among collectors, sommeliers, and casual wine lovers alike. With a focus on balance, purity of fruit, and site expression, Amici produces wines that are both age-worthy and immediately enjoyable.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Amici’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship of their portfolio, representing the depth, complexity, and power that Napa is known for. This wine is crafted from top vineyard sites across the valley, blending fruit from prestigious regions like Rutherford, Oakville, and Spring Mountain. The result is a structured yet approachable Cabernet with layers of dark fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.

For those seeking single-vineyard expressions, Amici also produces limited-production Cabernets from world-renowned sites such as:

• Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard – Known for its opulence, this vineyard produces intensely concentrated wines with rich blackcurrant, espresso, and graphite notes.
• Morisoli Vineyard – Located in the heart of Rutherford, this site contributes a classic Napa profile with bold dark cherry, cocoa, and hints of dusty minerality.
• Hirondelle Vineyard – A hidden gem in Stags Leap District, this vineyard offers a more elegant, finessed expression of Cabernet with bright acidity and floral aromatics.

One standout in the collection is the Moonlight Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, which I had the opportunity to experience in a vertical tasting. This wine exhibits incredible depth, structure, and long-term aging potential, making it a true collector’s item.

Chardonnay

Unlike many California Chardonnays that emphasize heavy oak and buttery textures, Amici wine takes a more refined approach. Their Russian River Valley Chardonnay is an exquisite example of balance, layered with citrus, stone fruit, and subtle minerality, all wrapped in a delicate kiss of oak. This elegant and food-friendly Chardonnay is ideal for those who appreciate a wine that is both rich and refreshing.

Pinot Noir

Amici sources its Pinot Noir from premium sites in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, regions known for their cool-climate expressions of this delicate grape. Their Pinot Noirs are defined by:

• Silky textures and refined tannins
• Bright red fruit flavors, such as cherry, raspberry, and cranberry
• Earthy undertones and subtle spice, enhancing complexity

This style of balanced, terroir-driven Pinot Noir makes Amici wine a go-to choice for Burgundy lovers looking for a New World counterpart.

Sauvignon Blanc & Other Offerings

Among Amici’s small-production wines, their Sauvignon Blanc is an underrated star. This wine delivers zesty citrus notes, vibrant minerality, and crisp acidity, making it a refreshing, food-friendly white that rivals some of Napa’s best.

Additionally, Amici produces “No Curfew”, a red blend that offers incredible value. With a smooth, fruit-forward profile, this wine is perfect for everyday drinking while still maintaining the craftsmanship expected from a high-quality producer.

Sustainability & Environmental Commitment

Beyond producing exceptional wines, Amici Cellars is deeply committed to sustainability, ensuring that their practices protect both the environment and future generations. Their efforts go beyond organic and biodynamic farming, integrating cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious decision-making at every step.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

• Water Recycling System – Amici has implemented a state-of-the-art system that repurposes wastewater from winery operations for vineyard irrigation, significantly reducing their water usage and environmental footprint.
• Solar Energy – A significant portion of the winery’s energy comes from solar panels, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing their carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Vineyard Practices – In partnership with their vineyard growers, Amici employs:
  • Cover crops to naturally enrich the soil and prevent erosion
  • Organic composting to improve soil health
  • Natural pest management to replace harmful chemical pesticides
  • Minimal intervention winemaking to preserve the purity and expression of each site

These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also enhance the overall quality of their wines, ensuring that each vintage reflects the best of what nature provides.

The Amici Tasting Experience

While Amici’s wines can be found in retail shops and restaurants, visiting their winery offers an unparalleled experience. Set against the breathtaking Palisades Mountains, the tasting room is intimate, inviting, and educational.

Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting experiences, including:

• Classic Tastings – A guided exploration of Amici’s Napa and Sonoma wines.
• Reserve Tastings – Featuring single-vineyard wines and library vintages, highlighting the aging potential of their top bottlings.
• Food & Wine Pairings – An elevated tasting experience, showcasing how Amici’s wines complement gourmet dishes.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual drinker looking to expand your palate, the staff’s expertise and passion ensure a memorable and enriching experience.

Conclusion

After years of following Amici wine’s journey, I remain continually impressed by their commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability. While they have expanded their production and gained widespread acclaim, they have stayed true to their boutique roots, maintaining the friendly, welcoming spirit that their name suggests.

Their wines offer exceptional value and craftsmanship, making them a fantastic choice for both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the depth of their Cabernet Sauvignon, the elegance of their Chardonnay, or the vibrancy of their Pinot Noir, Amici Cellars delivers a true taste of Napa Valley excellence.

For those looking to experience handcrafted, terroir-driven wines, Amici wine is a must-visit winery and a producer worth seeking out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Amici wines unique compared to other Napa Valley producers?

A: Amici wine stands out for their combination of Italian winemaking traditions with California terroir, small-lot production methods, and focus on vineyard-specific expressions. Their approach tends to be more restrained than many Napa producers, resulting in elegant, balanced wines that showcase their vineyard sources without overwhelming ripeness or oak influence.

Q: How long can I cellar Amici wines?

A: Their Cabernet Sauvignons can age beautifully for 10-15 years or more under proper storage conditions. The Reserve Cabernet can go even longer, with some vintages showing potential for 20+ years. Their Chardonnays are best enjoyed within 3-5 years of release, though some vintages can age longer. The Pinot Noirs typically show best within 5-8 years of release.

Q: Are Amici wines worth their price point?

A: In my experience, yes. While not inexpensive, their wines offer excellent quality for their price points, particularly when compared to other premium Napa Valley producers. Their appellation wines provide especially good value, often outperforming competitors at higher price points. The single-vineyard wines, while pricier, deliver complexity and character that justify their cost.

Q: What food pairs best with Amici Cabernet Sauvignon?

A: Their Cabernets pair beautifully with red meats, particularly grilled steaks or roasted lamb. The wines also complement rich pasta dishes, aged hard cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts. For the Reserve Cabernet, I particularly enjoy it with prime rib or well-aged steaks. The balanced acidity and refined tannins make these wines more food-friendly than many Napa Cabernets.

Q: Does Amici offer a wine club?

A: Yes, they offer several membership options through their website, providing access to limited-production wines, special events, and exclusive tastings. However, their widely distributed wines (like those available on Amazon) offer an excellent introduction to their style. Club members receive priority access to single-vineyard wines and library releases, along with complimentary tastings and special event invitations.