United States · California

Von Strasser

Von Strasser Winery was founded in 1990 by Rudy Von Strasser on Diamond Mountain District in Napa Valley, one of the appellation's most demanding mountain AVAs on the volcanic western range above Calistoga. The estate's vineyards sit at 1,400–1,600 feet elevation on fractured dacite and rhyolite soils, producing Cabernet Sauvignon of extraordinary tannic grip, concentration, and longevity. The flagship Sori Bricco Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon — named for Rudy Von Strasser's Italian heritage (sori means south-facing slope in Piemontese dialect) — is sourced from the highest and most intensely farmed blocks. At auction, 116 lots average $86 per bottle, with the Sori Bricco and Reserve trading at $100–$180 for top vintages like 2002, 2005, 2012, and 2013. Diamond Mountain's limited size — fewer than a dozen producers including Diamond Creek, Reverie, and Von Strasser — means that the AVA attracts a specialized collector following who prize the volcanic terroir. Von Strasser's wines require significant cellaring: even in approachable vintages, the volcanic tannins need 10+ years to fully resolve. Winemaker Rudy Von Strasser sold the property in 2014 to Duckhorn Wine Company, which has maintained production under the Von Strasser label with the existing winemaking team and no significant stylistic departure.