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Oakville

Napa Valley · USA · Wine Auction Prices

Oakville is the most celebrated sub-appellation in Napa Valley, a narrow 7-kilometre corridor of benchland and alluvial fan between the Mayacamas foothills to the west and Highway 29 to the east, producing Cabernet Sauvignon of extraordinary concentration and balance. The benchland soils — deep, well-drained Bale clay loam on alluvial fans — combine with afternoon Pacific fog influence from the Golden Gate to give Oakville Cabernet its distinctive combination of ripe black fruit and refreshing acidity. Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate anchor the ultra-premium tier on the western hillside bench; Opus One occupies the flat benchland near the highway. Robert Mondavi's To Kalon vineyard, farmed since the 1960s, is considered one of Napa Valley's greatest terroirs. Groth Reserve, PlumpJack Reserve, and Far Niente represent the second tier of Oakville estates with strong auction followings. The appellation was formally established as an AVA in 1993; its 15 miles of benchland have been the source of some of California's most iconic wines since Robert Mondavi opened his winery in 1966.

Oakville
01

Oakville's Bale clay loam soils on alluvial fans — deposited over thousands of years by streams flowing off the Mayacamas Mountains — provide the deep, well-drained medium that Cabernet Sauvignon uses to develop its finest expression in Napa Valley.

02

Screaming Eagle's 23-acre Oakville estate has produced arguably the most financially significant wine in American history: the 1992 inaugural vintage sold for $500,000 per bottle at charity auction and established the template for California cult wine pricing.

03

Robert Mondavi's To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, farmed since 1966, is considered Napa Valley's most historic and celebrated vineyard block; it is the source of Mondavi's reserve Cabernets and several other producers' top wines.

04

Harlan Estate, farming biodynamically on the western benchland above Oakville, established the concept of a California 'first estate' through its insistence on the highest production standards, single-vineyard focus, and by-invitation-only allocation list.

$380

Avg Price / Bottle

6,800

Auction Lots

2014

Top Vintage

$65 – $32.0k

Price Range

In the Glass

Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon combines the valley's characteristic richness — blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis — with a freshness and lift that distinguishes it from the warmer northern zones. The finest examples add mocha, graphite, and violet, with a fine-grained tannic structure that allows early accessibility but rewards 15–25 years of cellaring. Screaming Eagle is known for silkiness; Harlan for power and complexity; Opus One for balance and classic structure.

Red Wines

WineAvg PriceLots Sold
Screaming Eagle
Cabernet Sauvignon
$2,400
1,200
Harlan Estate
Red Wine
$1,200
1,000
Opus One
Opus One
$285
2,000
Groth
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
$85
800
PlumpJack
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
$145
600

Top Producers

Opus OneScreaming EagleHarlan EstateGrothPlumpJackFar Niente

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