The Pritchard Hill area, a high-altitude sub-region east of Oakville, features an exciting mix of established and young wineries that continue to gain momentum in defining a sense of place in Napa Valley. At nearly 1,400 feet above sea level on southward sloping acreage, Houyi Vineyard sits above the fog, basking in the morning sunshine. The red volcanic soil is exceptionally rocky, making vineyard development and farming extremely difficult. However, the efforts are well worth it, as the well-drained soils provide an environment for the vines to produce incredibly concentrated fruit. HOUYI Vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, as well as a few small blocks of Grenache and Syrah, totaling 22 acres. This debut vintage of 'Sunbird' is made by Lloyd Matthews and consulting winemaker Philippe Melka. On observation, “hues of plum and crimson appear in the glass. Aromatics of chocolate, coffee, raspberry, and bramble are encountered on first taste. Hints of dry herbs emerge as the wine evolves in bottle and glass. Smooth and robust texture, plush tannins, and balanced acidity lend to a prodigious finish and wonderful expression the Pritchard Hill terroir.” All the fruit in this new bottling comes from Houyi Vineyard and continues to be farmed meticulously by David Abreu and his vineyard management team.