About Silver Ghost
Silver Ghost founder Weston Eidson’s great-grandfather, John Montagu, was an automobile pioneer at the turn of the last century. Being a British Lord and in Parliament, he was instrumental in much of the early automotive legislation and even gave the future Edward VII his first car ride (as seen in this photo). He was friends with Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, and his assistant served as the model for the Rolls-Royce hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, which we still see on Rolls-Royce cars today. Silver Ghost derives its name from John Montagu’s favorite car, the 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. And like its name, the wine itself is filled with layers of richness, culture and authenticity.
Background
Sleek, pedigreed, and modestly priced, Silver Ghost Napa Cabernet Sauvignon caught the eye of reviewers seemingly overnight, capturing scores in the 90s from Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Vinous by the 2018 vintage, its 6th. Winemaker Weston Eidson says he inherited the “luxury innovation” knack from his great grandfather, who helped launch the Silver Ghost Rolls Royce in 1909. Weston named his Cabernet Sauvignon in tribute, with a twist: While very few can own a Rolls, Silver Ghost Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a deal for Cab-lovers.
Weston’s inspiration emerged during a vacation in Europe touring legendary wineries. A key moment came at 400-year old Trimach Estates in Alsace, when Jean Trimbach explained, thriving as a winemaker requires not just tradition, patience and restraint but also innovation.
It struck a chord, and soon Weston found himself on a path to winemaking. He traveled extensively to learn the key facets of winegrowing, culminating in a position in Napa with Jason Moore of Modus Operandi. Weston proved a natural at identifying ideal ripeness, fermentation and aging regimens.
With no shortage of old-school charm from his southern US roots, Weston developed relationships with Napa growers and launched Silver Ghost in 2012. He seeks a plush, structured style, by combining valley floor fruit from Rutherford with high-elevation grapes from Pope Valley and Calistoga. The wine is aged 24 months in French Oak, 50% new for a finishing touch of luxury.