YoungInglewood Vineyards
YoungInglewood Vineyards – Funambulist and Minimalist Are Key
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Jim, Jacky, Mary and Scott have been friends of mine since they officially opened. I was invited at the time by their new tasting room manager to come visit this exciting winery prior to their grand opening. Once I met them and understood their commitment to the land, their love of art and desire to produce winning wines, we became quick friends. Their commitment and stewardship are summed up by their working the vineyard organically and regeneratively by hand and with gentle equipment. Minimal irrigation is used to allow roots to grow deep into the alluvial soil on the property. They typically made small boutique production of various varieties.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This logo is still one of the best in industry showing the winemaker’s character to find the balance between sugar, acid and flavor both pre-harvest and while making the wine. Simple and meaningful symbol without wording.
While knowing and writing about their wines for years, I wanted to visit and find out what is new. First off was being greeted by their new tasting room manager Shannon Pestoni. She is well known in Napa Valley and a genuine and enthusiastic addition to the winery. Just one more reason to visit the winery.
When greeted by Shannon, Jim and Jacky, I was offered a glass of 2025 Vin Clair in the foyer, a delightful Rosé wine made from 52% Malbec and 48% Merlot.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then moved to the tasting room where one of my favorite paintings was moved back to its prominent place over the tasting bar. This photo doesn’t reveal the depth and color of the painting in person.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We wholeheartedly tasted each of these wines and a few others. Three wines made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2026. From the above list the 2022 Right Bank ($130) was produced to near perfection. Ditto for the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($175). However, when I thought I had tasted some of their best wines, the 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon absolutely blew the doors off ($210). These are not simply good wines; they are exceptional wines produced to the highest level of quality.
A few others were tasted like the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and obviously all were solid wines. Somehow during my travels, I misplaced my detailed notes on each wine but that should not prevent one from tasting and obtaining any one of them!
Additional varieties produced by YoungInglewood include 2021 Malbec, 2022 Petit Verdot, 2023 Cuvée Edit Pinot Noir and 2024 Aligoté.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly