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In the heart of Napa Valley, at the peak of Greeg Mountain, Jeff and Elizabeth Phelan built a vineyard that embodies the very essence of nature’s resilience and the art of winemaking. Known as the Elizabeth Block, this special section of Phelan Ranch is where geology and climate conspire to create something truly exceptional. The story of Elizabeth Block is as much about the wine it produces as it is about the land it calls home—a land shaped by a unique geological formation, a delicate balance of weather patterns, and the tenacity of the vines that must endure the harshest conditions to thrive.

The Geology: Where It All Began

Jeff Phelan is no stranger to adversity. His journey into geology began not in the wine country of Napa Valley, but in the gold mines of West Africa. At the age of 22, Phelan found himself working for Bentley International Gold Mining, managing construction and eventually overseeing mining operations. It was here, amidst the rich soils and minerals of the region, that Phelan developed a love for geology. This passion followed him back to California, where he immediately recognized the uniqueness of the land when he first set foot on Phelan Ranch.

Phelan’s trained eye noticed the presence of chert, a fine-grained sedimentary rock, throughout the ranch. Chert comes in various colors—gold, red, and green—each reflecting the specific trace elements within the rock and the degree of oxidation it has undergone. On Phelan Ranch, chert plays a crucial role in shaping the vineyard’s terroir, particularly in the Elizabeth Block. Gold chert, which dominates this block, has an uncanny ability to refract sunlight, intensifying the heat in the vineyard. This phenomenon led to the early challenge of “morning burn” on the grapes, an issue that was resolved with the strategic use of shade cloth to protect the delicate fruit.

The chert not only influences the vineyard’s temperature but also contributes to the diurnal heat fluctuations that define the Elizabeth Block’s microclimate. Nestled on a mountain-top within the Vaca Mountain range, the vineyard is subject to extreme daytime heat, which can reach as high as 117°F, followed by a rapid cooling effect as the evening air flows down the canyon. This constant interplay of heat and cool air creates an environment where the vines must fight to survive, resulting in grapes with tough, thick skins—perfect for producing robust, flavorful wines.

Yet, golden chert isn’t the only rare mineral found at Phelan Ranch. In another section of the ranch, green chert—one of the rarest types of chert—is exposed at the surface. This dark green variant is highly coveted by geologists due to its scarcity and the minimal oxidation that produces its rich color. The presence of golden, red, and green chert on Phelan Ranch speaks to the incredible geological diversity of the land. This diversity directly influences the vines, providing a unique foundation that shapes the characteristics of the wines produced here​.

The Vineyard: Nurturing Greatness Through Adversity

Perched atop Greeg Mountain, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Hennessey, the Elizabeth Block is part of Phelan Ranch’s 21 planted blocks, primarily dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard’s challenging location and extreme climate conditions align perfectly with the philosophy behind Adversity Cellars. The goal of Adversity Cellars, founded by acclaimed winemaker Russell Bevan and his wife, Heidi, is to showcase vineyards that force their vines to struggle—because from adversity comes great wine.

The 2022 vintage of the Phelan Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon captures the very essence of this philosophy. With only 86 cases produced, this wine is a rare gem that epitomizes the power and intensity of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak, the wine’s flavor profile is striking from the first sip. Blackberry, cherry, and cassis notes leap from the glass, while the rich mid-palate delivers an explosion of flavor that is both lively and demonstrative. Yet, despite its boldness, the wine retains an elegant structure, thanks to the tough, small, thick-skinned grapes that can only come from a vineyard as demanding as Elizabeth Block.

Russell Bevan, one of Napa Valley’s most renowned winemakers with over 30 100-point wines, has poured his heart and soul into crafting this wine. Working closely with Heidi, who manages the day-to-day operations at Adversity Cellars, Bevan has created a Cabernet Sauvignon that stands out not just for its flavor but for the story it tells—a story of struggle, perseverance, and triumph over the forces of nature​​.

A Unique Microclimate: The Role of Diurnal Heat

What makes Elizabeth Block truly unique is its microclimate, which is largely shaped by the vineyard’s position on the mountain and the diurnal winds that pass through the Jackson Canyon. During the long summer days, the sun heats the canyon walls, creating rising warm air that is funneled up towards the vineyard. As night falls, this process reverses, and cooler air flows down the canyon, bathing the vineyard in a refreshing breeze.

This diurnal effect has a profound impact on the vines, which must adapt to sudden changes in temperature—often as much as 10-15 degrees. On July 2, 2024, for example, the temperature at Elizabeth Block soared to 117°F by noon. However, with the help of overhead sprinklers, the temperature dropped to 102°F within just 20 minutes. This ability to control the microclimate is crucial in maintaining the health of the vines and ensuring that the grapes ripen evenly without succumbing to the extreme heat.

The Elizabeth Block consistently experiences higher temperatures than other blocks on the ranch, making it a formidable environment for vine growth. The wind, heat, sun refraction from the golden chert, and full mountain-top sun exposure all combine to create a perfect storm of adversity. Yet, it is precisely this adversity that produces the vineyard’s most defining characteristic: resilience. The vines that survive these conditions yield grapes with remarkable concentration and complexity, which are essential for crafting the bold, expressive wines that Adversity Cellars is known for​​.

The Wine: A Reflection of Place and Process

The 2022 Phelan Ranch “Elizabeth” Cabernet Sauvignon is more than just a wine; it reflects the vineyard’s history, geology, and the forces of nature that shape it. With an alcohol content of 14.9% and a pH of 3.75, this wine strikes a perfect balance between power and elegance. The long aging process in new French oak adds layers of complexity, while the intense mountain fruit provides a core of dark fruit flavors that linger on the palate.

For those lucky enough to taste the 2022 Phelan Ranch “Elizabeth”, it is an experience they won’t soon forget. The wine’s intensity, coupled with its rich texture and vibrant energy, makes it a standout among Napa Valley Cabernets. But beyond the wine itself, it is the story of Elizabeth Block—the story of a vineyard that has faced down the harshest elements and emerged stronger for it—that makes this wine truly special.

Conclusion: A Vineyard and a Vision

At Phelan Ranch’s Elizabeth Block, nature’s adversity meets human ingenuity, resulting in one of the most distinctive wines in Napa Valley. From the rare golden chert that reflects the sun’s rays to the diurnal winds that sweep through the canyon, every element of this vineyard challenges the vines to produce their best. And under the careful stewardship of Jeff and Elizabeth Phelan and the expert winemaking of Russell and Heidi Bevan, Elizabeth Block has become a beacon of what can be achieved when you embrace the struggle.

In every bottle of 2022 Phelan Ranch “Elizabeth” Cabernet Sauvignon, there is a story of resilience and the beauty that can arise from hardship. It is a wine that celebrates the land, the people, and the process that brought it to life—a true testament to the enduring spirit of Phelan Ranch and Adversity Cellars​​.