When Mary Ann and Larry Tsai moved from the east coast to the Napa Valley in 1989, they had a dream of one day producing a portfolio of rare and remarkable wines crafted with exceptional fruit from some of the valley’s most heralded vineyards. The couple imagined a collection of wines that they could proudly share with family, friends and others, in order to create magical connections that can sometimes occur when sharing a great bottle. 

Mary Ann and Larry Tsai

No strangers to hard work (she hails from a blue-collar, Italian family in Massachusetts, while he is a first generation Chinese American from humble beginnings in Long Island, NY), they spent the next several decades in the valley, acquiring as much knowledge as possible (while enjoying considerable successes along the way) before striking out on their own. They also raised two daughters and gained many dear friends and colleagues in their adopted Napa Valley home.

In 2003, Mary Ann and Larry finally decided to launch their Moone Tsai label. Working with close family friend and celebrated winemaker Philippe Melka, they scoured the valley for extraordinary fruit which they knew was foundational to making the limited-production, deeply expressive wines they envisioned.  With Howell Mountain beckoning, they launched a collection of small-lot Cabernets and Bordeaux blends, including their hallmark Howell Mountain Hillside Blend. Their equally distinctive Cor Leonis Cabernet Sauvignon shows a depth of character and complexity befitting of such pedigreed vineyard sources as Pritchard Hill in St. Helena and Caldwell Vineyards’ Block 15 in Coombsville.

Philippe Melka

The Tsais’ admiration not only for Bordeaux-style wines but also those of Burgundy, led them to look beyond Napa’s borders for additional prized plots for an expanded portfolio. The cool-climate Charles Heintz Vineyard in Occidental proved to be the ideal site for their elegant, refreshingly layered Moone Tsai Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. The vineyard’s 30-year-old vines, planted on deep, sandy loam soils, contribute to the wine’s unique varietal expression.  Cooling maritime fog encourages slow ripening and further development of delicate flavors. The finished wine is a study in New World fruit and technique paying tribute to Old World intentions: Juicy, lively, with great balance, weight, and acidity. 

The fog-shrouded, wind-blown Santa Rita Hills, along California’s Central Coast are the fruit source for the cool-climate, Moone Tsai Corinne Cuvée Pinot Noir. Located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the unique soils of Dave Phinney’s famed Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard, make an exceptional setting for growing remarkable Pinot Noir. On the nose, classic aromatics of violet, red fruit and rose petals give way to enticing red fruit flavors and hints of cedar shavings on the palate. Fresh and minerally in texture, with good acidity, the wine’s medium body and juicy finish reflect a well-balanced, harmonious bottling.

The Moone Tsai portfolio of pedigreed, memorably delicious wines is rooted in an extraordinary combination of exceptional fruit, distinctive terroir and artisanal winemaking. For those seeking to explore these exclusive offerings, a variety of guided experiences are available by appointment at the winery’s private tasting salon at the Brasswood Estate, 3111 St. Helena Highway-North. For more information go to: moonetsai.com.