Introducing Coronet - a New Era of Napa Valley Wine

Coronet is a luxurious new wine brand that represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley wine craftsmanship, carefully curated by our team of elite wine professionals with decades of experience. At the heart of this exciting new venture are Steve and Seanne Contursi, the vintners behind Coronet and Arrow&Branch Winery, along with Jennifer Williams, partner and one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers.

The story of Coronet begins with the vision to craft expressive wines of distinction from the winery's estate site that honor Napa Valley’s rich winemaking tradition while embracing a forward-thinking approach to vineyard practices and wine production. As managing partners, Steve and Seanne Contursi bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for fine wine, having spent the last two decades cultivating relationships with some of the Valley's most historic vineyard teams. Their commitment to developing wines that reflect both the region’s heritage and its potential for innovation has been a driving force behind the creation of Coronet.

A Vision for Excellence

Their passion for exceptional wines began long before they set foot in Napa Valley. With a deep appreciation for the structured and refined wines of Bordeaux, they were captivated by the wines that epitomized the region’s classic character. In 2007, driven by their shared love for wine and the land, they discovered a charming farmhouse estate in Napa Valley surrounded by a vineyard planted to Cabernet Franc—a variety that reminded them of the distinguished vineyards they admired in France. This was the spark that ignited their winemaking journey, a journey that led to their inaugural wine brand, Arrow&Branch and would eventually lead to the creation of Arrow&Branch Winery and the launch of Coronet wines.

Jennifer Williams became winemaker for Arrow&Branch in 2011 marking the beginning of their endeavors together. Having worked closely with the Contursi's for the past 15 years, they joined forces to realize the dream of building a state-of-the-art winery along with the Coronet brand. Through Coronet, the team aims to deliver wines that represent the peak of Napa Valley winemaking and a focus on creating wines of elegance, balance, and intensity. Coronet is a true extension of their vision and legacy, with each bottle made to showcase Napa Valley’s finest terroirs and their unwavering passion for fine wine. 

A Winemaker with a Legacy

At the helm of Coronet Wines is Jennifer Williams, a winemaker whose reputation in Napa Valley is built on years of experience, exceptional skill, and an intuitive understanding of how terroir and vineyard practices shape the flavor and character of wine. Her journey began with some of the most esteemed wineries in the Valley, where she honed her expertise and developed a holistic approach to winemaking.

Her expertise is rooted in her belief that great wines start in the vineyard. She has extensive experience in vineyard management, and a deep respect for the natural environment guides her winemaking philosophy. Under her direction, Coronet wines showcase her ability to harmonize power and finesse and craft wines that are complex and built to endure.

Lady Liberty Vineyard - a Terroir of Distinction

The cornerstone of Coronet’s wine portfolio is our own Lady Liberty Vineyard, located on the estate winery in Napa Valley’s southernmost alluvial fan. This distinguished vineyard spans five-plus acres of 30-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines, whose roots reach deep into the rich soil, producing fruit that is both powerful and nuanced. The vineyard’s terroir provides an exceptional foundation for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2023 Coronet vintage represents the first step in showcasing the vineyard’s true potential.

Since 2021, the vineyard has been under the expert stewardship of Domenick Bianco of Bianco Winegrowing, whose meticulous farming practices have elevated the quality of the vines. Using sustainable methods and the latest in viticulture techniques, Domenick and the Bianco Winegrowing team work so that every cluster of grapes from Lady Liberty is harvested at its peak ripeness, resulting in Coronet wines that are elegant yet full of depth.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

The 2023 vintage of Coronet Cabernet Sauvignon marks the inaugural release of the brand, setting the bar for what is to come. The wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, composed from four distinct clones of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in the Lady Liberty Vineyard. These four clones provide a diverse range of flavor, texture, and depth, allowing us to blend the perfect combination for this superb wine.

Each lot of Cabernet is hand-selected for its unique characteristics and aged in new French oak barrels, which imparts a layer of complexity and depth to the final wine. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that exudes both power and grace—rich in dark fruit flavors, with a structure that promises aging potential. The winemaker's expert touch ensures a synergy of opulence and structure, along with a long, harmonious finish.

A New Chapter in Napa’s Legacy

As Coronet continues to grow and develop, the brand expands beyond Lady Liberty Vineyard, incorporating fruit from other historic Napa Valley vineyards that share the same commitment to quality and sustainability. The mission of Coronet is clear: to deliver wines of excellence and uncompromising quality that showcase the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

With the leadership of Steve and Seanne Contursi, the expertise of Jennifer Williams, and the skilled support of the Arrow&Branch Winery team, Coronet is poised to become one of Napa’s most respected, sought-after labels. The inaugural release of Coronet Cabernet is just the beginning, and the future holds great promise for this dynamic new brand.