Ghost Block

Our Ghost Block Single Vineyard wines are meticulously crafted from the highest quality fruit sourced from our family’s four most exceptional organically-farmed vineyards. These vineyards include MorgaenLee and Ghost Block Vineyards in the Yountville AVA, as well as Pelissa and Rock Cairn Vineyards in the Oakville AVA. These extraordinary wines, including Ghost Block Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignons, are produced in extremely limited quantities under the skillful direction of our longstanding Winemaker, Kristi Koford. They stand as collectible treasures, representing the peak of the Pelissa family’s winemaking legacy.

The Ghost Block story traces back to the early 1980s when our current owner, Andy Hoxsey, in his mid-20s, enjoyed a cold beer at the iconic local Yountville bar, Pancha’s, after a day of working in his grandfather’s vineyards. During his visit, he struck up a conversation with a retired veteran who inquired if he farmed the vineyard next to the Yountville cemetery. Andy confirmed, and this conversation took an unexpected turn. The veteran, perhaps under the influence of one too many beers, shared a tale of having seen a ghost leaving the Pioneer Cemetery, traversing through that very vineyard which he referred to as the cemetery field, and ascending the Yountville hillside. This apparition was believed to be the spirit of George C. Yount, the founder of Yountville, who had planted the first grapevine in Napa Valley in 1839. According to the veteran, George C. Yount’s ghost haunted that vineyard, making its way to the hill’s summit to oversee the town he had founded.

Inspired by this encounter, the following morning, Andy moved to trademark the name “Ghost Block.” Thus, two legends were born—the ghost of George C. Yount and Ghost Block Vineyard.

2023 ghost block morgaen lee sauvignon blanc

Vibrant aromas of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, beautifully complemented by hints of white peach, jasmine, and flint.

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2022 ghost block pelissa zinfandel

On the palate, it offers a beautifully balanced mouthfeel, intertwining flavors of ripe blackberries.

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2021 ghost block estate cabernet sauvignon

94 Pts. Wine Spectator. A solid, fruit-driven version, this red offers cassis, plum pâte de fruit and boysenberry compote flavors backed by licorice and apple wood notes. A late tug of warm earth adds length and drive. Drink now through 2038. —J.M.

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2021 ghost block vineyard cabernet sauvignon

95 points, Wine Spectator. This bursts with bramble, licorice snap, blackberry and mulberry aromas and flavors that are energetic and juicy through the finish, where a flash of iris kicks in. A graphite spine to keep this honest. For fans of the exuberant style. Drink now through 2040.—J.M.

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