United States · California

Moone-Tsai

Moone-Tsai is a small Napa Valley producer founded by Andy Tsai, sourcing primarily from Howell Mountain and other elevated Napa appellations. The estate's focus on mountain terroirs—Howell Mountain's volcanic red soils sit at 1,400–2,200 feet—distinguishes it from valley-floor producers in structure and longevity. The flagship Cor Leonis Cabernet Sauvignon leads the auction portfolio at $124 average across 38 lots, with the 2012 vintage recording the highest transaction activity, reflecting that year's concentrated mountain-appellation fruit. The standard Cabernet Sauvignon at $87 average covers a broader Napa source base. The Hillside Blend at $80 showcases the producer's mountain-fruit philosophy across a multi-varietal composition. Total production is modest, limiting secondary supply and supporting the $92 portfolio average. With prices capped at $367, Moone-Tsai occupies the premium-but-accessible tier of California mountain Cabernet: genuine elevation character and critical recognition without the allocation scarcity of ultra-premium cult producers. The 205-lot auction presence confirms consistent collector interest, though the estate remains relatively under the radar compared to Howell Mountain peers such as Dunn Vineyards, whose wines average significantly higher. The Chardonnay, at $59 average, is a minor component of the auction record, accounting for only 6 lots. The estate's consistent quality at a $92 average positions it as a reliable mid-premium choice for collectors who want documented Howell Mountain character without committing to the extreme price premiums of the appellation's most celebrated estates.