This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on August 5th, 2025
Nestled at the base of Howell Mountain in St. Helena, Titus Vineyards is a 50-acre, second-generation family estate that embodies Napa Valley’s rich winemaking history and innovative spirit. Purchased by Dr. Lee and Ruth Titus in 1968, the property had been farmed since the mid-1800s—once home to varietals like Mondeuse, Burger, and Golden Chasselas. The Titiuses replanted the estate with Bordeaux classics such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, transforming its identity and trajectory.
For two decades, Titus Vineyards supplied grapes to legendary labels including Charles Krug, Beaulieu, and Cuvaison. In 1990, the family launched their own label, debuting with their first vintage crafted by brother Phillip Titus. Over time, Eric Titus brought his scientific expertise and passion for sustainable farming to the estate, guiding its evolution with a focus on innovation and environmental stewardship. Today, Titus Vineyards continues to blend tradition with forward-thinking practices under the leadership of both Eric and Phillip Titus.
Eric Titus: Napa’s Sustainable Winemaker
Eric grew up harvesting alongside his brothers in Napa, developing an early passion for viticulture rooted in a deep connection to the land and family legacy. After earning a doctorate in Biology with a specialization in marine science and toxicology, Eric spent much of the 1990s as an environmental consultant, applying scientific rigor and a sustainability mindset to his work. Yet the call of the vineyard proved stronger. In 1997, he returned to the family estate for harvest, and by 2002, he committed full-time to leading Titus Vineyards as General Manager and Vineyard Operations Manager.
With a unique blend of scientific expertise and hands-on farming experience, Eric has become a leading voice for sustainable agriculture in Napa Valley. Under his stewardship, the estate has adopted innovative practices like hand-harvesting, cover cropping, and minimal intervention winemaking, while also investing heavily in renewable energy—installing solar panels in 2024 that now supply 95% of the winery’s electricity. Eric’s leadership extends beyond his family’s vineyards; he has served as President of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association and actively supports viticultural societies, championing a future where Napa’s wine industry thrives in harmony with the environment.
Vineyards with Distinct Voices
The estate’s main vineyard, the Ranch Estate, stretches across 50 acres of clay, sand, and loam soils, perfectly suited to the Bordeaux varietals that define the property. Planted over several decades, these soils provide an ideal balance of drainage and nutrient retention, allowing vines to thrive and produce expressive fruit.
The Ehlers Lane Estate, acquired in 1972, is a distinctive 10-acre site featuring dense, rocky volcanic soils planted with Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This parcel’s unique composition brings a mineral-driven intensity to the grapes, making it central to the estate’s premium bottlings.
Tradition Meets Innovation: Titus’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in Napa Valley, earning a reputation as the region’s flagship grape. Titus Vineyards honors this legacy with their 2021 Family Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which epitomizes the power and elegance characteristic of Howell Mountain fruit. This wine captivates with vivid aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, layered with notes of cassis, dark coffee, and a signature stony minerality. Aged in 85% new French oak barrels for 22 months, it boasts a firm yet polished tannic structure and balanced acidity, embodying the estate’s terroir-driven approach.
Yet, Titus Vineyards also takes a bold step with Cabernet Franc, a varietal less celebrated in Napa but one they have mastered with stunning results. The 2022 Cabernet Franc is a vibrant expression sourced from estate and Sugarloaf Mountain vineyards, showcasing the grape’s signature aromatics: pomegranate, raspberry, and subtle Mexican chocolate on the nose. On the palate, it delivers an enticing blend of brandied cherry, currant, and dark chocolate flavors, framed by lively acidity and a smooth, persistent finish. This wine challenges expectations and underscores Titus’s commitment to crafting wines that honor both tradition and innovation.
Spotlight on Cabernets
2021 Family Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
This flagship wine is a showcase of Titus Vineyards’ commitment to quality and terroir. The grapes, predominantly from the volcanic soils of Ehlers Lane, produce a wine with a deep ruby hue and a complex aromatic profile featuring ripe raspberry, black cherry, cassis, and dark coffee. The palate is structured yet elegant, with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a lasting mineral finish thanks to 22 months in predominantly new French oak.
2022 Cabernet Franc
Highlighting Titus’s daring vision, this Cabernet Franc blends fruit from their Estate Vineyard and the famed Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The wine bursts with bright aromatics of pomegranate, raspberry, and a hint of Mexican chocolate. On tasting, it reveals vibrant flavors of brandied cherry, currant, and dark chocolate, supported by a lively acidity and smooth texture that lingers pleasantly.
The 2021 Family Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily sourced from the Ehlers Lane vineyard, perched atop a rocky knoll where the vines are nurtured with precision and care. The challenging soil conditions limit yields but concentrate flavors, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity. Meanwhile, the 2022 Cabernet Franc draws from both the Titus Estate Vineyard and the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in southern Napa, combining the nuanced terroirs to produce an expressive, aromatic wine.
In Summary
From historic roots dating back to the 19th century to a future-driven vision rooted in sustainability, Titus Vineyards shines under the stewardship of Eric and Phillip Titus. Their dedication to terroir-driven wines, meticulous vineyard management, and sustainable practices has shaped a Napa estate that balances respect for tradition with a bold embrace of innovation. The Cabernets of Titus Vineyards are essential for wine lovers seeking a genuine taste of St. Helena’s soul and Napa’s enduring legacy.
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