When you’re arranging a private tasting in Napa Valley, it’s helpful to visit wineries that have something everyone will enjoy. The diversity may be varietals they work with or AVA’s they grow or source grapes from. That’s why I always look forward to my visits to Dakota Shy’s estate at the base of Pritchard Hill.
If there is anything more enjoyable than a tasting nestled amongst cypress trees, I haven’t found it. Beautiful location, beautiful weather and beautiful wines. Dakota Shy is owned by Winemaker Tom Garrett who was sorting the last batch of grapes that were picked the morning of our arrival.
Winemaker Tom Garrett
The Dakota Shy portfolio of wines includes Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of the wines are Cabernet Sauvignon and fruit is sourced from mountainous terrains (Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Pritchard Hill) and valley floor vineyard sites (Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Calistoga).
During our tasting we had the opportunity to enjoy Dakota Shy’s “Napa Valley” and “TEN” Cabernet Sauvignons. “Napa Valley” is produced exclusively from hillside vineyards fruit and “TEN” is produced exclusively from valley floor vineyard fruit. Both were outstanding but different.
In addition to being the winemaker for Dakota Shy, Garrett is the winemaker for his family’s winery, Detert Family Vineyards. Detert produces a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet Franc. Both are small production (Cabernet Sauvignon – 250 cases, Cabernet Franc- 300 cases) but worth seeking out. All of Detert’s fruit is sourced from the Detert Vineyard which is within the world famous To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville.
Whether you’re enjoying a Dakota Shy or Detert Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, I don’t think you will be disappointed!