The Butlers

Carolyn and Perry Butler are the property and entity owners. The British expats arrived in California in the 1980's as high-tech pioneers and founded a company in the San Francisco Bay Area. After routine 80- hour workweeks, the couple relaxed during weekend trips to Napa Valley, where they were bitten by the wine bug. Dreams of high-tech dominance soon turned to thoughts of returning to the land and grape growing. In 1997, their dream became a reality when Perry and Carolyn sold their computer business and founded Juslyn Vineyards on a site overlooking the renowned Spring Mountain winery. Since then, there has been no turning back. Perry and Carolyn are committed to making the best wines possible in the heart of Napa Valley's Spring Mountain District.

Vineyard Preparation:

Developing their vineyards in the rocky soils of Spring Mountain proved that wine was truly their labor of love. The vineyards were originally planted in the 1860's as part of Caroline Bale's dowry when she married Charles Krug. It was sold and went dormant sometime between the Phylloxera epidemic of the 1900's and Prohibition in the 1920's. The vineyard returned to its state as a native forest and remained that way for more than 70 years. After planting their estate to a field blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot (for color). In 1997, The Butlers achieved their first estate Cabernet release of just 80 cases in 2000.

 In 2001, the Butlers were able to increase the production to 170 cases of wine that displays elegance in the style of premier cru Bordeaux. Each estate vintage thereafter has been more productive, and, now, 25 years of vine maturation benefits them with about 3-3.5 +/- tons per acre from their 6 +/- acre hillside vineyard. Every vintage becomes more exciting as the Butlers have experienced firsthand the future of Juslyn Vineyards right here at their home.

About Spring Mountain District AVA.

The Spring Mountain District is situated in Napa Valley, California, to the west of St. Helena. It occupies the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Range, which separates Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. This region is about 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and 25 miles north of San Pablo Bay. The landscape here is characterized by steep terrain, with slopes facing east and excellent drainage. The elevation ranges from 400 to 2600 feet above sea level.

Due to its rugged appearance, the vineyards in Spring Mountain District are typically small and scattered amidst forests. This provides some shade and protection for the vines, along with the hills facing east. The higher elevation helps moderate the heat of Napa Valley, resulting in Spring Mountain Cabernets that are known for their tannic structure, aging potential, elegance, and balanced fruitiness.

While Cabernet Sauvignon is prominent, other grape varieties also thrive in the Spring Mountain District. The diverse topography and microclimates of the region create an ideal environment for a wide range of grapes, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The southern part of the appellation displays the characteristic Franciscan Mélange, with remnants of oceanic crust visible at higher elevations. Meanwhile, the northern part shares volcanic soils similar to those found in the Diamond Mountain District.

The distinctive character of the grapevines grown on Spring Mountain is a result of the intricate interplay between various geographical elements. The steep and well-drained soils provide ample moisture during most of the growing season. However, they also subject the vines to stress in late summer and early fall, limiting grape yields and resulting in smaller grapes with concentrated flavors.