JDB Wines

JDB Wines was founded by proprietor Derek Beitler with his first vintage in 2007. Today, he produces several labels, including Cerro, Tableau, and Skyhook. The wines are sold primarily through brokers and distributors – in 2018, Derek moved his production from Caymus to another family-related winery in eastern Napa County – and can hold tastings there on a limited basis.

Derek Beitler grew up in southern Oregon, but his introduction to wine came in tiny Rutherford, Napa Valley, where his uncle Chuck Wagner operated Caymus Winery. Derek would often spend part of his summers working at Caymus, growing up in the cellar. Derek moved to the quiet town of Occidental in western Sonoma County. He began producing two wines: a single vineyard Syrah from the Sonoma Coast and a Viognier from the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. His first vintage was from 2007 under the Bodega Rancho label. Derek then moved to the Napa Valley in 2010. Wanting to make another red wine, Derek approached Chuck Wagner to help him find a source for a new label he was going to call Carne Humana (based on a name he found on an old map).

Oak Knoll is a cooler, southern-reaching area of Napa Valley, between the towns of Yountville and Napa. It’s a really special part of the Napa Valley, a sweet spot. Because of its relatively low elevation, Oak Knoll is marked by a significant maritime influence from San Pablo Bay, with cooling breezes throughout the growing season and coastal morning fog, especially in summer. This allows Oak Knoll grapes an extended ripening period, leading to soft tannins and bright acidity.