Bidwell Creek Vineyard was started in 2000 when Norma and Lamar Hunt purchased a ranch along the bank of Bidwell Creek in Knights Valley. They planted their first vineyard in 2002, and today have 15 acres in Cabernet Sauvignon. The late Lamar Hunt was a promoter of professional sports teams, and a founder of the American Football League. Norma Hunt now runs the estate, which has assembled a dream team for winemaking. Philippe Melka is winemaker, and Jim Barbour is viticulturist. Robert M. Parker Jr. has rated the estate’s wines in the mid-90s, and has called them “exquisite.”
One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.