WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Legends often begin in the most ordinary surroundings. For two friends, Tony Cartlidge and Glen Browne, it began in 1980 in an undistinguished Napa Valley garage when they set out to build a wine company from scratch. As far as they could tell, there was no need (or no fortune) to buy an estate. Only a desire to seek out the best vineyards, harvest the best grapes and make the best wine that they possibly could.
The garage may be gone, but the spirit and vision of the founders live on in each bottle of Cartlidge & Browne; made to express the character of the grapes and a North Coast sense of place.
Like a vintage foreign convertible, Pinot Noir takes extra effort to maintain. But when done properly elicits respect and envy. If it was easy, then everyone would do it. And that’s half the point. Take the top down and go out for a spin just once and you’ll know it’s worth it all.
