Newfound Wines: The Name Says It All

Matt Naumann, vintner and winemaker

Newfound Wines is a new winery that has created a new expression of wines that will impress.  This is the endeavor of Matt and Audra Naumann, who began their journey with land in the Sierra Foothills in 2016.  They replanted the vineyard in an effort to strike a balance between nature and the fruit.  Because their own vineyard is young, they produce wines from other vineyards that are family-owned and organically farmed in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills.

Our tasting took place in a charming house located in St. Helena.  It is one block off of Main Street downtown.  We had the pleasure to meet with Matt himself as he led us through the wines.  He shared that he worked with Ehren Jordan, vintner and winemaker of Failla Wines, for over eight years.  He was inspired to step out on his own with a new expression for himself.  It was a distinct pleasure to spend time with the winemaker himself as we explored the lineup of varietals. 

We started with a refreshing Chardonnay that was immediately refreshing and bright with lemon and tangerine notes with white flowers on the nose.  The focus of the tasting was on Rhone varietals which Matt considers to be a real opportunity, most importantly Grenache.  We tasted two Grenaches, both from Mendocino County (Cemetery Vineyard) – one from 2022 and the other from 2021.  They were both lush and displayed bright red fruit.  The 2021 had richer notes that stood out.  We then explored a varietal that, for most, is a blending grape.  Matt poured two 100% Mourvèdre wines that were remarkable.  Matt does not do punch downs, only pour overs; and I believe this contributes to the bright fruit notes that truly danced out of the glass.  The last wine was, for me, most captivating and remarkable.  This was a blend from Moon Mountain made from Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah.  It was a wonderful expression of the blend that was bold and full of rich fruit yet light on the palate.

Here is what Antonio Galloni, renowned wine critic, has to say about the wine from his experience with Newfound.

“I was so impressed with these wines from Matt and Audra Naumann. The 2023 reds, which I tasted from barrel, were especially brilliant. The Naumanns source fruit from several vineyards in Northern California for wines that focus on freshness and expression of place. The reds are done with a light hand in the cellar, typically with a very high percentage of stems and a preference for large-format neutral oak. Newfound is a relatively young project, but the wines continue to grow in stature. I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.”

What is also so remarkable about Newfound Wines is the accessible price.  The price per bottle of the wines we tasted was $50.  Yes, that is not a typo.  They are providing wonderful flavors and quality in each bottle, and the price is very reasonable.  It is a real pleasure to enjoy wine with freshness and depth of flavor at an attainable price. 

This is an opportunity to explore the wines of Newfound. You can set up a tasting for yourself the next time you are in Napa Valley or simply visit the website and purchase some bottles to try.

Enjoy!