In 1985, Dr. Julio Palmaz – then a doctor of vascular radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center – revolutionized medicine when he invented and patented the balloon-expandable heart stent, an implantable device meant to save the lives of those suffering from heart disease. A success beyond nearly any measure, today there are more than one million stents implanted worldwide each year. In 2006, the Argentinian-born Palmaz was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame for his efforts.
His wife, Amalia, is also a native of Argentina. She holds both a master’s degree in economics and served as president of Cristamine S.A., her family’s mining business. And though they moved to the United States in the 1970’s, the overachieving couple never forgot their South American roots. Both grew up in ranching families where grass-fed, pasture-raised animals are the norm, not the exception.
Given this, it should come as no surprise that the Palmaz family – which today also includes their adult children Christian and Florencia and daughter-in-law Jessica – owns and operates Palmaz Vineyards in Napa.
The vineyard boasts 610 acres of planted grapes and an 18-story wine cave and employs a full-time team of farmers. They work in lockstep with the outrageously talented winemaker Tina Mitchell, a veteran of a veteran of Louis Martini, Niebaum Coppola and William Hill, to create award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Rieslings, Muscats and Brasas, an Argentinian-style blend. They do so while being zero consumptive, with all water used throughout the Palmaz Vineyards estate treated to nearly potable standards and used 100 percent for irrigation.
The property, one of the last that Robert Mondavi toured and gave his blessing before his passing, is best seen in person as words can never do it justice. Upon entering, it is hard not to feel as if each grape on the estate is representative of a life saved by the inventive mind of Dr. Palmaz. Once that awe sinks in, the beauty of the vineyard and its structure, made of stone, come into focus.
But that is just the beginning. Tours are available by advance reservation only and start at $150 per person. They are truly unique in that they not only guide guests through the underground cave but also the fermentation dome. The what? Exactly.
This circular building is lined with 24 fermentation tanks, which in and of itself is common enough. However, when guests look up toward the dome’s ceiling, there are illustrated projections in a variety of colors beaming from above, almost like lasers. This is FILCS (pronounced like “Felix” on the tour), which is short for Fermentation Intelligent Logic Control System. Part scientific marvel and part Disney Light Parade, the view is like nothing else at a winery in the world. FILCS does more than look cool, however. The ever-moving graphs and algorithms allow instant updates on the fermentation process without having to disturb the fruit.
That portion of the tour is tough to beat, but after the walk is complete, it is time to taste, which may be even more impressive. The tasting, usually five to six samples from the Palmaz Vineyards’ most coveted varietals, is paired with small bites in an intimate setting. It is made all the more special because Florencia, in addition to serving as CEO of the vineyard, grows all of the vegetables and herbs that are used in the tasting menus herself. In addition, any cheeses in the tasting are sourced locally and the grass-fed wagyu beef is from the Palmaz family ranch in Northern California.
While making plans to visit, do not wait to sample the wine as it goes fast each season, and much is allocated to wine members within minutes of becoming available. Some musts in the moment are:
2019 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon: smoky and bold with oak and fruit as well as a slight hint of caramel. $185
2017 Muscat Canelli Florencia: A beautiful, sweet offering with bright mango and pomelo in every sip. $65
2016 Cedar Knoll Cabernet: only available in 1.5 liters, this smooth and bold bottle is a celebration in restraint with perfect notes of dark fruit and a long finish. $145
Bonus: The family also offers guests and fans from around the world the chance to experience their wagyu and wine at home through their Brasas Ranch membership. This farm-to-fork subscription program is in addition to the traditional wine membership where members are sent extraordinary 100-percent grass-fed prime wagyu from the Palmaz Genesee Valley Ranch several times a year.
For more information, visit www.palmazvineyards.com.
4029 Hagen Rd.
Napa, CA 94558