The producers in our portfolio span continents, and their approaches to winemaking are just as varied. What connects them is intention, a clear point of view, and a desire to do things on their own terms. Few embody this more fully than Denise Adams, whose stewardship of three distinct estates in Bordeaux and Napa Valley reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful farming and a deep respect for the places they call home.

In 2004, Denise and her late husband, Stephen, acquired Château Fonplégade in Saint-Émilion. Neither came from a winemaking background, and neither was French. Rather than carry on as the estate had for decades, they saw an opportunity to rethink its future. They set out to rehabilitate the property, restore biodiversity, and bring new life to the soils, guided by the conviction that great wine begins in the vineyard.

Three years later, the chance arose to expand across Bordeaux’s Right Bank to Pomerol, where they acquired Château L’Enclos. Then, after years of friends and family asking when they might bring their mission a little closer to home, the couple found the perfect spot on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. ADAMVS was born in 2008.

The 76-acre mountain estate is defined by its elevation, rugged landscape, and volcanic soils, a striking contrast to the limestone of Saint-Émilion and the complex soils of Pomerol. Guided by the same respect for nature and commitment to biodynamic farming, ADAMVS produces Cabernet Sauvignon that captures the power and intensity of Howell Mountain while maintaining remarkable elegance, freshness, and precision.

Though the three properties differ in climate, soils, and character, each reflects Denise and Stephen’s belief that understanding a place means looking beyond the vines themselves. When we asked Denise what unites the estates, she explained:

“For us, terroir is much more than the soil beneath our vines. It is the relationship between geology, climate, plants, microorganisms, farming, and the people who care for the land.”

Stephen passed away in 2024, but Denise continues to carry forward the vision they built together. Today, each estate expresses its own sense of place, united by the thoughtful stewardship and long-term perspective that have guided the Adams family from the beginning.