Fantesca Estate & Winery
2024 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford AVA
Auction 30 | Lot No. 141
Vintage: 2024
Fantesca Estate & Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
5 cases produced
Highlights
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aged 18 months in French Oak
- Single vineyard from the famous Trailside Vineyard in the Rutherford AVA
- Sustainably farmed vineyard
Description
From the iconic Trailside Vineyard in Rutherford, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon distills the power and heritage of Napa Valley’s iconic Silverado Trail. Sustainably farmed and aged 18 months in French oak, this wine captures the vineyard’s unmistakable character; dark-fruited, finely structured and laced with the signature “Rutherford Dust,” combining exceptional richness with pristine mystique. Each bottle is a snapshot in time; a true testament to where creativity and talent meets terroir, and a timeless expression of Trailside’s quiet power.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
Tony Arcudi
Winemaker, Fantesca Estate & Winery
From the depths of the ocean in a Navy submarine to the lush vineyards of Napa Valley, Tony Arcudi’s life story is a complex blend of adventure, determination, and refined taste. Tony’s journey began far from the winemaking world, first navigating missile systems and later maneuvering through the tech sector. But it was a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that stirred a passion deep within, leading him to trade circuit boards for grapevines.
Boston bred, Tony’s love for cooking and the culinary arts was cultivated by his parents’ kitchen and a backyard garden. Though a pragmatic career in the Navy came first, the world of wine was calling, and at age 38, Tony answered that call with a courageous leap of faith.
His path to winemaking was anything but smooth; initially rejected by UC Davis due to his unconventional background, Tony persisted, eventually earning not only acceptance but a Regents Scholarship. His education continued with hands-on experience at Stagecoach Vineyards and a fellowship at the prestigious Maison M. Chapoutier in France.
Returning stateside, Tony honed his skills as an Assistant Winemaker at Nickel & Nickel before an unexpected encounter with Heidi Barrett at a conference landed him a role at Fantesca in 2009. Here, he worked closely with Heidi on Fantesca’s wines and became the sole Winemaker for King Richard’s Reserve Pinot Noir.
Tony’s unorthodox journey became his greatest asset, his experiences both inside and outside the world of wine melding into an approach that effortlessly blends art, science, and agriculture. Whether working with Fantesca, scoring 100-point triumphs at Kapcsandy Family Winery, or crafting his own wine brand, Tony pours his soul into every bottle.
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Tony says, "Honestly now, before winemaking, everything else seems like one big detour." His path may have been winding, but it led to the perfect destination. Tony Arcudi is not just a winemaker; he’s a maestro of the vine, turning grapes into symphonies, one glass at a time.
Country born: United States
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Chelsea Hoff
Winemaker, Fantesca Estate & Winery
Chelsea Hoff leads as the Director of Vineyard Operations at Fantesca Estate & Winery. Her passion for winemaking was kindled as a young girl when her parents, Susan & Duane Hoff, established Fantesca in 2004. She was drawn to the meticulous process of curating wines that celebrate life’s treasured milestones.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Chelsea pursued her academic journey at UC Davis, plunging deep into the realms of enology and viticulture. Her quest for global expertise led her to wine-rich regions from the rustic terrains of Italy and Bordeaux to the diverse landscapes of Australia. This international foray presented her a tapestry of winemaking techniques that guides her distinct style today.
In 2016, her entrepreneurial spirit shone through with the launch of Fearless Wines, a testament to her commitment to both authenticity and challenging the wine industry’s conventions. Fearless Wines, embodying its name, swiftly captured attention, with its inaugural vintage selling out immediately.
Yet, Chelsea’s vision transcended traditional winemaking. With the development of Lohas Wines in 2019, she championed sustainable practices, honing in on lesser-known varietals from southeast Spain. This groundbreaking approach not only bolstered local growers but also championed eco-conscious practices, setting a new standard from vineyard to table.
Now, as the Director of Vineyard Operations for Fantesca Estate & Winery, Chelsea is responsible for both Fantesca’s outside growers and estate vineyards, with a focus on the growing of the highest-quality wine grapes, budgeting, scheduling vineyard activities, planning vineyard replants, and developing long-term farming strategies for sustainability.
Country born: United States
Years in the wine industry: 9 years
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
1320 West Fullerton
Chicago IL 60614
312-730-7333
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Lakeshore Sport & Fitness:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2023 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | The Vista | 29 (2025) |
| STEREOGRAPH | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 29 (2025) | |
| VGS Chateau Potelle | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 40th Anniversary Cuvée | 29 (2025) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Valley's Beauty | 28 (2024) |
| Gamble Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | New Beginnings 2.0 | 28 (2024) |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Bohemian Thrill | 27 (2023) |
| Hyde Vineyard Estate | 2022 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 27 (2023) |
Winery Distribution
Fantesca Estate & Winery is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Arkansas (RNDC)
- Florida (Ace Wine & Spirits)
- Georgia (RNDC)
- Hawaii (RNDC)
- Minnesota (Small Lot Wines & Spirits)
- New Jersey (Independence Wine and Spirits)
- New York (Independence Wine and Spirits)
- Texas (Monopole Wines)
- Texas (Monopole Wines)
- Virginia (RNDC)