American Cabernets

We have thousands of wines. Although we carry many national brands, that is not our focus. The following are well-made and generally more interesting wines that we are proud to recommend.

Tarrica Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2019 ($16.99) - It’s very difficult to find a good California Cab in this price range. Most have glaring weaknesses or are so bland and boring (Josh, anyone?) that you are much better off looking to Argentina or other countries. Tarrica, however, is a winner. It’s a very interesting wine made more in an elegant, almost French style than the over-the-top, over-ripe, high-alcohol style common from the warmer parts of California.

Hazel & Axe Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2021 ($16.99) - A great alternative to the ubiquitous Josh Cab, this is slightly better and about as good a California Cab as you are going to find at this price. Erikson & Caradin source grapes for their high-end wines from Napa and Santa Barbara. The grapes for this wine obviously come from less prestigious regions. Grandma Hazel apparently had a saying, “wield the axe,” which meant to use your inner power to move forward in life. Hence, the name. The winemaker is Kevin Morrisey, a graduate of UC-Davis. After a harvest internship at Château Pétrus, he worked for Tony Soter at Etude Winery.

Matthew Fritz Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2023 ($17.99) - Good California Cabs under $20 are rare (Josh is NOT one of them). Most are from Paso Robles. To find one from Sonoma is amazing. Matthew Bonanno's BonAnno Napa Cab is one of our favorites. He purchases grapes from some very good Sonoma vineyards and makes those wines under the Matthew Fritz label. Frankly, we like this Sonoma wine almost as much as his $30 Napa Cab! This blend of 80% Cab and 20% Merlot was aged 10 months in French oak. It features juicy, rich blackberry and black raspberry fruit flavors with hints of cedar, bell pepper, cinnamon, and spice. Improves with airing.

Secret Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2021 ($19.99) - We grabbed the last three cases of this great value. It features plum, black cherry, and vanilla notes with the depth and ripeness that Paso is known for, but it also has some of the finesse and refinement of Napa and Sonoma. We hope the 2022 will be as good. Obviously limited.

Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2023 ($19.99) - This is the latest in the Messenger Cabernet lineup. It is listed as a California wine, but half of the grapes came from Napa, approximately 40% came from Sonoma, and the rest came from Lake County. Like all of Rob McDonald’s wines, it is deep in color and flavor but not over-extracted or super high in alcohol. There aren’t many $20 California Cabs that are this good. Youthful but approachable.

Paso Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2021 ($20.99) - With the price of northern California Cabernet grapes and thus wines so high, value hunters are looking to Paso Robles for affordable wines. Paso is a relatively large area of California’s central coast with room for growth. It is quite inland and very warm, but temperatures do vary by closeness to the ocean (Justin and Tablas Creek are the closest and get some cooling influences). This wine is medium-bodied and nicely balanced with aromas and flavors of currants, black cherry, pepper, and oak. Light tannins, balanced acidity, moderate alcohol (13.6%), and a nice, smooth finish. A very nice Cabernet for the price!

Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2022 ($20.99) - The Varner Brothers make terrific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their vineyards in Santa Cruz. They also purchase grapes from Paso to make a great value Cabernet and from the generic Central Coast for their Chardonnay. Joel got to visit Bob Varner at their winery about 20 years ago when they were just starting the Foxglove project. The Cab has been written up several times by Eric Asimov in the New York Times. 

Trefethen Eshcol Red, Napa Valley, 2022 ($22.99) - This wine has flown under the radar for a long time. It deserves prime time because of its value. Essentially Trefethen’s second label, it’s a blend of their Main Ranch grapes in Oak Knoll that don’t go into their more expensive wines. This is a blend of 57% Cab Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cab Franc aged 14 months in 8% new oak, probably American and French. At only 13.9% alcohol, it is traditionally balanced, not the overripe fruit-bombs so common today. Rich aromas of stone fruit and berry are elevated by earthy hints of eucalyptus and cedar. Red cherry and cassis are layered with notes of white pepper and spiced greens. Perfect with duck, venison, or even veal. 

Eshcol Red takes its name from the original Eshcol Ranch, owned by the Goodman Brothers. They commissioned Captain Hamden McIntyre to design and build a winery. McIntyre also built Inglenook, Far Niente, Greystone, Beaulieu, Chateau Montelena, Frog’s Leap, and many others. Today, it’s the oldest wooden gravity-flow winery still standing in Napa.

Pioneers in Napa Valley, family-owned Trefethen is in its third generation. Eugene Trefethen, along with his wife, Katie, bought the property in 1968 after a storied career running the Kaiser Corporation, where he oversaw the mass production of Liberty ships and Willys Jeeps for WWII, the construction of the Bay Bridge and the Hoover Dam, and the development of healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente. His son, John, and John’s wife, Janet, restored the dilapidated winery and began production. (Of historical note, Chandon’s first sparkling wines were made at Trefethen while the French company built their new facility in Yountville.) John was also the founding President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association. Janet was a driving force behind the Napa Valley Cooking Class and the establishment of the Oak Knoll AVA. Their son, Lorenzo, and daughter, Hailey, are ambassadors for the brand and active in operations.

BonAnno Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 ($23.49) - Matthew Bonnano buys grapes, and winemaker Jim Milone makes his wines. Their flagship Napa Cabernet and this wine are bottled under the BonAnno label. Matt also buys less expensive grapes from Sonoma and Mendocino and bottles those wines under the Matthew Fritz label (We tasted the MF Cab at our Saturday tasting in August.) Between the two in price and quality is a new wine he makes from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. It’s 98% Cab Sauvignon and only 2% Merlot, aged 10 months in French oak, 25% of which was new. It’s an excellent value with deep ruby color, good intensity of layered dark fruits, (blackberry and black raspberry), bell pepper, cedar, allspice, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla. It has lively acidity and comes in at a relatively moderate 14.1% alcohol.

Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2022 ($24.99) - Good Cali Cabs under $25 are getting hard to find. Paso Robles, from the central coast, generally offers better value, although its warmer climate makes for a different style of wine than those from the north coast. Vina Robles was founded in 1996 by Swiss wine importer Hans Nef and his longtime friend and business associate, Hans - R. Michel, a Swiss expatriate. They planted six vineyards in Paso and began making wine a few years later. Their Cabs started out simple and overblown, but wine-maker Kevin Willenborg and the vineyard team learned to work with the warm climate, producing chewy wines of more complexity and better balance.

√√Cloisonné Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2022 ($24.99) - Napa Cabernet in this price range is rare. Good Napa Cab at this price is unheard of. Yet here we are! David Rossi is a bit of a magician. In addition to the wonderful Pinot Noirs that he makes (under the Fulcrum and On Point labels) from grapes he buys under long-term contracts, he somehow also is able to find quality grapes on the spot market to make his Cloisonné line. The Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are very good. The Cab and Pinot Noir are amazing! This Cab has it all: terrific ripe fruit, just the right amount of oak, and fine balance. Yum!!!

Metier Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley-Washington, 2021 ($25.99) - Wow!!! Delille Cellars is one of Washington State’s best wineries with single-vineyard, mostly Cabernet-dominated wines that typically score in the mid to upper 90s. They also make the excellent D2 red blend described which is predominantly Merlot, so we have listed it under Other American Reds. Relatively new for them is the less expensive Metier line of wines. We tasted a nice Sauvignon Blanc, which we may carry in the future, and this terrific value Cabernet. It was aged in French oak, 40% new. Wine Spectator: 91 $30 “Offers good energy and refined flavors of blackberry, dusky spices, and black olive that build structure toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 16,000 cases made.” Anthony Mueller of the Wine Advocate described it as “pure and clean with a bright nose. Medium to full-bodied, focused, and finessed, a firm tannic edge slowly grows over the food-friendly finish. It’s a fantastically-priced Cabernet that delivers a sturdy and well-made drinking experience.” 

Harper Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2021 ($26.99) - Here’s an interesting story: The Duckhorn family sold the Duckhorn and Decoy brands to the Constellation conglomerate. No longer able to use their name, they have come out with a new wine that is far superior to Decoy and almost as good as Duckhorn. The vineyard is adjacent to the Silver Oak Alexander Valley vineyard and consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Malbec. To keep the price low, this wine was aged for only 10 months in only 10% new barrique. Good stuff!

Original Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2021 ($26.99) - When it comes to California Cabs, flashy Napa Valley has the reputation and high prices. Paso Robles offers value in a warmer climate, less refined style. Often overlooked is Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, which lies just over the Mayacamas Mountains from Napa and can offer high quality (this is the home of Silver Oak Cellars!), refinement, and reasonable prices. At the top end are very highly regarded Stuhlmuller, Aperture Cellars, Stonestreet, and The Setting. Better value comes from Alexander Valley Vineyards. We carry their Cab and Cab Franc. Original Wines is also a great value. It’s the creation of winemaker Molly Lippitt and industry veteran Richard Phoenix. Molly was mentored by celebrated winemakers such as Heidi Barrett, Philipe Melka, and Julien Fayard. She is now a wine consultant for Volker Eisele and others. Original Wines Cab comes from some top vineyards in the Alexander Valley Benchlands, at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. The wine is bold, yet elegant with earth-driven blackberries, plum skins, dark cocoa, leather, and cardamom. It has freshness, balance, and well-integrated, mostly used oak. This is a far more serious wine than 90% of others at its price. Drink it now or age it a year or two.

The Paring Red Blend, 2019 ($27.99) - Our fourth wine from The Paring (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir)! They come mostly from the JONATA and The Hilt vineyards, owned by multibillionaires Stan and Ann Kroenke. She’s the daughter of Walmart co-founder James Walton. Their business empire includes a holding company for the NFL’s L.A. Rams, the English Premier League football club Arsenal, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. They also own Napa’s Screaming Eagle! The Paring label is used for grapes that don’t make the cut for JONATA and The Hilt wines. Not reviewed, but the Wine Advocate loved the similar 2021: “Sports a dark, tobacco-driven nose that equally straddles classic and modern. Svelte and supple on the palate, its pleasantly concentrated dark fruit flavors transition to a layered, slightly herbal finish. As with the entire range, it offers truly incredible value. It’s a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% each Cab Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.”

Hidden Treasure #4 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, 2019 (intro price $29.99; reg $39.99) - Sean Behrens grew up surrounded by wine in California. He helped his father, Les (a Jersey boy born in Perth Amboy), build the highly regarded Behrens & Hitchcock winery atop Spring Mountain back in 1998 but only joined the winery production staff in 2011. Sean still works there, but he also established his own winery, Sova Wines, a micro-operation with only four employees (Sean, his Dad, Step-Mom, and son, Ethan). With the family’s reputation, Sean scores top-notch fruit from esteemed growers. This is a blend of Cab Sauvignon and Cab Franc from several AVAs. It has a different label and a lower price than the Cabs under the Sova label. 

The Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon 8, Napa Valley, 2023 ($32.99) - Rob McDonald has been hitting Cabernet home runs with grapes that he purchases from esteemed vineyards in Australia and Napa’s Howell Mountain. Rob is very excited about this latest cuvée, which he calls Napa Cabernet 8, at least partly because of the cool 2023 vintage. The long, slow-growing season produced flavor intensity that he usually has to work hard to capture. It’s 95% Cabernet Sauvignon (from a dry and organically-farmed vineyard in Yountville), with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec from Oakville, Atlas Peak, and Coombsville. He aged it in French oak, 50% new, but for only 10 months. It was still not quite ready to leave home when we tasted a sample bottle in October, but it is settling in nicely and has very good potential for further development. And it comes in at a relatively modest 14.2% alcohol.

Terroir Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 ($39.99) - With recent smoke and drought conditions in California, we are seeing both shortages and price increases, especially among North Coast wines. It’s getting harder to find really high quality Napa Cabs under $50. This beautiful wine is one of the exceptions. It is a label, not a winery, but the fruit comes from some terrific sources. The wine is ripe, big, and bold with distinct notes of blackberry, currant, dark cherry, and cocoa. A touch of oak (from the French barrique) shows. It contains a small amount of Petit Verdot and Merlot. This is not a wine for the cellar; it’s ready to enjoy now. 

Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon “Contadina,” Napa Valley, 2018 ($39.99) - At a time when Napa Valley Cabs are reaching dizzying price heights, here is one of the best values. Tom Burgess purchased the old Souverain Winery on the hillside of Howell Mountain in 1972. At the time, there were only 21 wineries in all of Napa; it was far from the wine Mecca it is today! Some of Napas most famous winemakers (Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate and Warren Winiarski of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars) started out at Souverain before going on to found their own historic wineries. 

The 2018 is a blend of 90% Cab Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec aged 22 months in 15% new French barrique. It hasn’t been reviewed yet, but here’s the Wine Advocate review for the 2017 [2018 was a far superior vintage!]: 91 “Blending fruit from the Sorenson and Haymaker vineyards, the 2017 Cab Sauvignon Contadina is gently cedary and herbal, backed by ample cassis. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a smooth, silky feel and a lingering finish, this is a solid effort for drinking over the next decade, and it's a reasonable value as well [at $65!!!].” The family sold the winery to Gaylon Lawrence in 2020. Meghan Zebeck, who worked with Michel Rolland as well as at Screaming Eagle and Atelier Melka, is the current winemaker. Organic and biodynamic techniques are practiced in both the vineyards and the winery. A new hospitality space, located in the Oak Knoll District, was built after the original was lost to the Glass Fire in 2020. Lawrence Wine Estates also owns Heitz Cellars, Haynes, Stony Hill Vineyards, and Château Lascombes (Margaux).

Fiancetto Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 ($44.99) - As the assistant winemaker (to Phillip Titus) at Chappellet, one of Napa’s iconic estates, Ry Richards has great relations with many of Napa’s finest vineyards. He is able to purchase excess grapes from some very prestigious sources to make small lots of wine under his Fiancetto label. If these lots of wine bore the nationally branded label they were intended for, they would sell for twice the price. This is a decidedly no-frills side operation. No fancy tasting room here. The 2021 consists of only 400 cases. The grapes come from valley-floor vineyards in Oak Knoll, Rutherford, and St. Helena. It’s a superb blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 10% new oak. This is a big and powerful Cab, perfect for a juicy steak or just by itself. Drink now for the incredible primary fruit or cellar for the next 3-5 years. Ry is helped by his wife, Britt, who is also a superstar winemaker, starting out at Jordan and Keller Estate before settling down at Peter Michael Winery!

Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2015 ($49.99) - Burgess was established in 1972 by the late Tom Burgess, after he retired as an Air Force pilot. Tom bought the already-planted property on the hillsides of Howell Mountain from Lee Stewart of Souverain Cellars. Napa Valley greats, such as Warren Winiarski of Stag’s Leap Cellars and Mike Grgich of the eponymous winery, cut their teeth at the estate now known as Burgess before starting their own historic wineries. My (Joel) first trip to Napa Valley included a stop to visit Tom. We tasted a still-in-barrel Chardonnay, and he graciously “sought” my advice on how much longer to leave the wine in the oak barrel. As if I knew anything! Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 90 ($60) “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet is scented of baked berries, mulberries, and kirsch with hints of espresso, black soil, and tree bark. Full, rich, and spicy in the mouth with slightly hard, chewy tannins [reviewed in 2017], it finishes long and earthy. 2017-27”

The Messenger Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 ($49.99) - We have carried several of Rob MacDonald's wines under the Messenger label. All have been outstanding wines and outstanding values. This latest iteration is from Oakville, his first from this great Napa Valley AVA (Think Far Ninety, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Nickel & Nickel, Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Turnbull, Miner, Cardinale, Rudd, Groth, Vine Cliff, Mt Brave, and Plumpjack). 

But where in Oakville did Rob get his grapes? Ordinarily, we can’t tell you. Because we don’t know, and Rob won’t say. He protects his sources, because they sell their wines for multiples of what Rob charges. But this time, Rob slipped up and left a hint on the back label. Super-sleuth Joel, with the help of AI, tracked it down to arguably the most famous vineyard in America! 

The source: The To-Kalon vineyard was first planted in 1868 by Hamilton Walker Crabb, who came west from Ohio in search of gold. But the vineyard rose to modern prominence thanks to Robert Mondavi,  who established his namesake winery within its borders and used the vineyard’s name on some of his most prized bottlings. Its location at the base of the Mayacams means To-Kalon faces east, avoiding the afternoon sun and heat that can be oppressive in other locations. The grapes can hang long enough to develop perfect color, flavor, acid, tannin, and general balance. These western benchlands, gently sloping areas between the mountains and the valley floor, are made up of alluvial fans with volcanic, gravelly soils that drain well.

The history of the vineyard is replete with disagreements and lawsuits. It was passed down, sold, divided, re-combined, and fought over. The Mondavi family acquired much of the original To-Kalon land for their Charles Krug winery (the rest of the property went to the MacDonald family - no relation). When Robert was kicked out of the family business, he was awarded a significant portion in the 1960s. Andy Beckstoffer purchased 89 acres in 1993 and won the right to use the name “Beckstoffer To Kalon” royalty-free. He currently sells grapes to numerous high-profile Napa wineries (at $20,000 per ton or more, resulting in wines that sell for $200 per bottle, more or less). In 2004, Robert Mondavi sold his winery to Constellation Brands, which took over the To Kalon name and trademark. Constellation introduced a new wine brand called To Salon Vineyard Company in 2019. Brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald, who previously sold grapes to Robert Mondavi Winery for its Reserve and To Kalon wines, also currently makes wine using the name. Beckstoffer sells grapes to B Cellars, Carter Cellars, Cliff Lede, Macauley, Paul Hobbs, and others. Constellation’s grapes go to Robert Mondavi Winery, Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, and its To Kalon Vineyard Company. Very confusing!

And the Messenger Oakville Cab? It is a fabulous young wine. Rich, ripe, balanced, and very classy. It will benefit from a few years of aging, but it’s enjoyable now with airing/decanting.

The Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Reserve, Napa Valley, 2019 ($54.99) - Rob McDonald has been hitting Cabernet home runs with grapes that he purchases from esteemed vineyards in Australia and Napa Valley. He has many friends at some very special wineries/vineyards who agree to sell him some of their excess grapes as long as he doesn't divulge the source. Why? Because they sell their wines for $100 or more! Rob sells virtually the same wine for half the price. This wine comes from Howell Mountain. It's ready to go with a little airing. Special stuff!

Inglenook 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon Niebaum, 2017 (55.99) - The history of Inglenook is a fascinating one. One of the first Napa Valley wineries, it was founded in Rutherford in 1879 by Finnish Captain Gustave Niebaum, who had made a fortune in fur trading. He produced his first vintage three years later. A pioneer in many ways, Niebaum and his general manager, Hamden W. McIntyre, built a test cellar dug directly into the hillside behind the Captain’s residence to investigate optimal barrel aging conditions. A “chateau” was built, and the winery became California’s first world-class winery, making some of Napa’s best wines (along with BV) before the vineyards were scattered and the brand was sold off and became synonymous with cheap California wine. 

In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, purchased Niebaum’s Victorian home and 1560 acres of surrounding land. In 1995, they reunited the two original Inglenook parcels by purchasing the grand Inglenook chateau and 94.5 acres of surrounding vineyards (neighbors are Martha’s Vineyard of Heitz fame and BV’s Georges de Latour vineyard). The winery was named Rubicon Estate until the Coppola’s acquired the Inglenook trademark and restored the winery’s original name. 

This blend is 91% Cab Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cab Franc, and 2% Malbec. It’s not a blockbuster, but it is a classic Rutherford Cab at a great price. The bottle is labeled 1882 for Niebaum’s first vintage and features an etching of the stone exterior of the cave where Niebaum and McIntyre conducted their experiments. Great history, delicious wine!

Clos du Val Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2018 ($55.99) - Clos du Val, French for “small vineyard estate of a small valley,” was founded in 1972 in Napa’s Stags Leap District. French couple John and Henrietta Goelet dreamed of founding a winery outside the insular world of the French wine industry. They challenged Bernard Portet, who was fresh out of winemaking school, to find a suitable place. After a two-year search, Portet settled on Napa Valley, which was not yet recognized as a world-class wine region. The winery’s Cab was included at the famed Judgment of Paris in 1976, establishing Clos du Val as one of Napa’s best. Still family-owned, Clos du Val farms a vineyard in the Stags Leap District and one in Yountville.

This classic Napa Cab (with 12% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec) was aged 19 months in 58% new oak, mostly French with a few Hungarian and American barrels. The mild 2018 vintage provided an extended growing season without the heat spikes of recent years. The slow ripening lasted into November in some blocks, resulting in a rich and beautifully balanced wine. The Decanter World Wine Awards rating seems a bit generous: 97 “Polished aromas of lovely ripe dark fruit and chocolatey spicy oak, with floral and herbal notes. An expressive and fresh palate with purity of fruit, juicy tannins, and solid length. Approachable now and will age well.” Wine Spectator: 92 “Juicy and dense with a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors backed by loam and roasted applewood notes. The finish has a nice kick of fruit and a flash of violet. Drink now through 2032.”

Levendi Sweetwater Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2021 ($59.99, $73 at the winery!) - We add this to our selection of Levendi reds. All are so much better, more interesting, and significantly less expensive than the annoyingly popular “Big Four” California Cabs (Caymus, Jordan, Stag’s Leap, and Silver Oak). This rich and expressive 100% Cabernet Sauvignon combines the bold structure of Calistoga (Blue Heron Vineyard) fruit with the elegance of Coombsville (Napholz and Omlin Vineyards) and Oak Knoll (Boyd Vineyard). With layers of black cherry, ripe plum, and subtle hints of caramel and licorice, this full-bodied wine delivers a plush texture and a gently firm tannic backbone with polish and depth. It was aged for 18 months in 32% new French oak. 14.7% alcohol.

Levendi Winery was founded in the early 1990s by James Gianulias, his son David, and family friend Todd Rustman. The winemaking consultant is Alison Doran, whose father, Russell Green, purchased Simi Winery in 1969 (when it was not just a brand) and soon brought in the legendary consultant André Tchelistcheff (the winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards for 35 years). Alison worked as an intern beside André. He found her a “cellar rat” position in Alsace in 1975. Her first full-time job was with Firestone Vineyard in Santa Barbara, where she became only the fourth woman winemaker in California! She now consults for clients in Napa.

Royal Prince Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, 2021 ($64.99) - This very special Cab comes from Phillipe Melka, a cult Napa Valley winemaker who learned his craft at Dominus, Ridge, Badia a Coltibuono, and Chateau Prieuré-Lichine (Margaux) before forming a consulting firm with his wife, Cherie. They have had famous clients including Seavey, Quintessa, Vineyard 29, Hundred Acre, Bryant Family, and Dalle Valle with many 100-point wines along the way. In addition to consulting, they make their own wines, including this one. It’s a standout and will compete favorably with wines approaching the $100 range such as Stag’s Leap, Caymus, and Silver Oak (which we carry but don't generally recommend). Limited. Don’t miss it!

Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2020 ($69.99) - Many people avoid the California 2020 vintage because of widespread fires and smoke that year. Generalizations invariably overlook the exceptions, and this is one of them. Nice wine. Well-priced for Napa, especially for highly desirable Oakville. Wine Spectator: 92 “Shows the up-front fruit of the vintage with a good lush feel to the mix of plum and warmed cherry compote notes lined with light menthol, sage, and warm earth hints. Polished (for the vintage) finish. Drink now through 2034.” Still family-owned, Groth was founded in 1981 by Dennis and Judy Groth. (Dennis had made just enough money working for Atari back in the day.) It became the first Napa winery to ever receive a 100-point rating from Robert Parker. The winery is now run by their daughter, Suzanne.

Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2018 ($72) - This is a relative value in the Jackson Family portfolio, which boasts really expensive wines like La Jota, Cardinale, and Lokoya. Wine Advocate: 94 "Blended with 1.5% Petit Verdot and matured for 20 months in 35% new oak. It's bursting with gregarious blackcurrant, blueberry, mint chocolate, and lilac plus touches of cigar ash, licorice, and coffee beans. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet despite its deep core of perfumed fruit, with a frame of grainy tannins and juicy acidity that calls you in for another sip. This is wonderfully easy to drink despite offering plenty of complexity. 2024-2039"

John Anthony Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2019 ($75.99) - Wine Spectator: 92 “Juicy yet restrained, with a solid core of dark currant and warmed fig notes underscored by alder and sweet tobacco on the finish. On the toasty side, but this has a nice flicker of violet for a pure hint. Drink now through 2034. 2,089 cases made. ”

Levendi Winery Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2020 ($79.99) - Although this only carries the general Napa designation, the grapes actually come from the famous Stagecoach Vineyard, which straddles both Atlas Peak and Pritchard Hill. The wine is deeply colored with a dark ruby core. Full throttle, yet very classy, and so much better than the more popular Stag’s Leap Artemis, Caymus, and Jordan Cabs. It spent 20 months in barrel. 14.8% alcohol. A terrific wine that’s perfect for a ribeye! - The Greek toast “Levendi” acknowledges a hard day’s labor and achievement.

Levendi Winery was founded in the early 1990s by James Gianulias, his son David, and family friend Todd Rustman. The winemaking consultant is Alison Doran, whose father, Russell Green, purchased Simi Winery in 1969 (when it was not just a brand) and soon brought in the legendary consultant André Tchelistcheff (the winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards for 35 years). Alison worked as an intern beside André. He found her a “cellar rat” position in Alsace in 1975. Her first full-time job was with Firestone Vineyard in Santa Barbara, where she became only the fourth woman winemaker in California! She now consults for clients in Napa.

Sojourn Cellers Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville-Napa, 2021 ($89.99) - WOW! What a wine, and what a value! Sojourn is a first-class boutique winery begun by tennis buddies Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley in 2001. Eric had been the Assistant Winemaker at Arrowood Winery. They purchase grapes from highly regarded vineyards in Sonoma and Napa and make small lots of very special wines, including some highly acclaimed single vineyard wines. This beauty comes primarily from the Oakville Ranch Vineyard with two other vineyards along Skellenger Lane. It’s an elegantly styled wine (for Napa), not a powerhouse. It has a caressing texture with waves of plum, cassis, and black licorice plus accents of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet tobacco. At roughly the same price as the big three in popularity (Stag’s Leap, Caymus, Silver Oak), this is a far better wine. It can be enjoyed now with some airing or aged for 10 years or more.

Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski): 96+ $195! "It's easy to think of the Oakville AVA as being just the valley floor, but it extends well up into the Vaca Range on Napa's eastern side. Sojourn's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard comes from a site approximately 1,400 feet above sea level and is a mix of Clones 4, 169 and 337 (plus 4% Petit Verdot), all aged in 75% new French oak. Scents of crushed stone, black cherries and blackberries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is firmly structured and streamlined, framed by silky tannins that linger on the cool, slightly menthol-tinged finish. It makes a harmonious overall impression, albeit a very youthful one, with time to grow into a potentially outstanding wine. Unfortunately, production is only 150 cases." We got one of them!!!

Salvestrin Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard, St.-Helena (Napa), 2019 ($99.95) - The historic Dr. Crane Vineyard is one of Napa’s best. It was first planted by Dr. George Belden Crane in 1858. As St.-Helena expanded in the 1920s, the vineyard became the city’s “Chinatown” section. It has now reverted to grapes, is part of the Beckstoffer holdings (purchased in 1997), and was planted to multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc in 1998. Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 95+ “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard offers up beguiling scents of Morello cherries, mulberries, and blackcurrant pastilles plus underlying cinnamon stick, chocolate mint, and tilled soil hints. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a firm and fine-grained texture, allowing the black and red fruits to shimmer with jaw-dropping energy, finishing on a persistent spicy note. Drink 2023 - 2043.” 1,030 cases. Very limited.

Andrew Will Sorella, Horse Heaven Hills - WA, 2017 ($99.99) – Cabernet dominant, but it also has Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot. Andrew Will is one of the best producers in Washington State. Will Camarda has taken over managing the winery from his father, Chris. Wine Advocate (Anthony Mueller): 97 “A resounding success, the deep ruby-colored 2017 Sorella explodes from the glass with aromas of blackberry, cigar box, and dried tobacco with hints of graphite and dusty purple flowers. Full-bodied, the wine is ripe and round with an immaculate mouthfeel, showing impressive depth. With succulent red and black fruit and soft cinnamon spice, the wine is a whirlwind of complexity. With a balanced structure and lifted tannic backbone, it lingers with flavors of dusty bitter dark chocolate, black plum, and spiced dark cherries. Bravo, this is absolutely stunning and will drink amazingly for the next two decades.” We also have some of the Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard.

Schrader Cabernet Double Diamond, Oakville, 2022 ($99.99 net) - Schrader is now owned by Constellation Brands but Thomas Rivers Brown still consults. One of Napa’s most coveted and highly rated names. Double Diamond Cab is the second label and offers an accessible entry to their world-class winemaking. The grapes come primarily from iconic To-Kalon Vineyard, regarded by many as the best Cabernet vineyard in California. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 54% new French oak for 19 months. At 15.4% alcohol, it’s not a shy wine.

Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon C-91, Napa, 2019 ($109.95) - WHAT A WONDERFUL NAPA CAB! Although we love and have carried Heitz Cabs for many, many years, this cuvée is new to us. It’s a total knock-out! Although the information is not on the Heitz website, super-sleuth Joel has a man on the inside who confirmed that over 50% of the grapes for this wine come from one of Napa's most famous vineyards: Martha's Vineyard. And 38% come from the very highly regarded Trailside Vineyard. Napa royalty, indeed! Wine Advocate ((Joe Czerwinski: 94+ $120 “With its distinctive mossy, savory nose of old oak and bright notes of black cherries and cassis, the 2019 Lot C-91 is medium to full-bodied, showing greater concentration than the straight Cabernet Sauvignon. It's rich and dense yet shows no excess weight, then finishes long, with a hint of mocha. It's a terrific value. Drink 2024-2040.” When Czerwinski calls a $120 wine “a terrific value,” you know it’s a very special wine. 

Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, 2017 ($119.99) - One of California’s best and clearly one for the cellar. Antonio Galloni: 97 “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is going to need a number of years to come around. The only question is how many. Shockingly opulent. Inky black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather, and incense are all dialed up in this super-sized Cabernet. Even so, there is plenty of structure lurking beneath. I can’t wait to see how this ages. 2027-42”

La Jota Cabernet Franc, Howell Mountain-Napa, 2016 ($105) - One of California’s finest Cab Francs and sourced from some of the oldest Cab Franc vines in Napa Valley. Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 97 “The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain (100% Cabernet Franc) gives up exuberant bramble fruits, baked raspberries, mulberries, and wild blueberries with suggestions of pencil shavings, kirsch, rose hip tea, and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and with a very firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, it has wonderful perfume and depth, finishing long and mineral-laced. 537 cases produced.”

Macauley Napa Cabernet, 2021 ($120) - Sorry, we couldn't find out much detail about this wine, but it brought smiles to our faces when we tasted it! Yes, this is expensive, but the wine really delivers with intense flavors of dark plum and steeped blackberry, some toasty vanilla, and sweet tobacco and licorice on the finish. Mac Watson purchases the grapes. Kirk Venge makes the wines. 

Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2017 ($129.95) - High atop Howell Mountain, Randy Dunn began making iconic Cabs in 1979. They were wines to drink only after a decade or more in the cellar. The second generation is now in charge, Mike and his wife, Kara (A few old timers may remember the wonderful Robert Pecota’s Kara Cabernet. Well, she’s all grown up now and married to Mike!). The wine-making style is now more accessible, but this beauty will still go the distance. Vinous (Galloni): 94 “A total knock-out. What a wine. In some recent vintages, the Napa Valley Cabernet has been a bit light, but in 2017 it boasts tremendous richness, power, and depth. Plush dark fruit, gravel, dried herbs, and spice flesh out in a decidedly intense, kicked-up Napa Cabernet. Give it a few years for the baby fat to melt away. Such an impressive wine!”

Parable Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Vangone Vineyard, Napa, 2021 ($179.95) - Or you can order this from the winery for $225! It’s one of the best Cabs we have tasted in some time! Its knock-out bouquet suggests the highest quality oak barrels. It’s rich but balanced, with velvety tannins and a sumptuous texture. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark plum are accented by baking spices, leather, and graphite. It has structure and elegance, culminating in a long finish of mocha and black pepper. Only 112 cases were made. At 1672’, the Vangone Vineyard is nestled atop the Silverado Trail at the base of Haystack Mountain, straddling both Oakville and Prichard Hill. In addition to Vangone, Trey gets red grapes from Antica Vineyard (owned by Piero Antinori) and Beckstoffer’s Bourn Vineyard as well as Chardonnay from Ritchie Vineyard in the Russian River and the Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard in Carneros. We also tasted the Beckstoffer Bourn Cab ($275 from the winery); we liked the Vangone better!

Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mt.-Napa, 2017 ($189.95) - High atop Howell Mountain, Randy Dunn began making iconic Cabs in 1979. They were wines to drink only after a decade or more in the cellar. The second generation is now in charge, Mike and his wife, Kara. (Old timers may remember the wonderful Robert Pecota’s Kara Cabernet. She’s all grown up now and married to Mike!) The wine-making style is now more accessible, but this beauty will still go the distance. Wine Spectator: 95 "Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry, and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 2,700 cases made."

Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa, 2021 ($209.95) - Although Randy Dunn is still active, this iconic Napa winery is now being run by his son, Mike. Lily Mirabelle Freedman, who previously worked at Colgin, is the new General Manager. Assistant Winemaker Ted Kizor has been promoted to winemaker, and Alex Dunn—Mike’s son—now manages the vineyards. The wines are still long-lived, but they can be approached earlier than when Randy was making them. Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski): 96 “Richer, denser, and more concentrated than the Napa Valley bottling but still hits the winery’s hallmark notes of cedar, cassis, blueberries, pine needles, and rubbed sage. It’s medium to full-bodied, weighing in at just under 14% alcohol, but the tannins are ripe and relatively silky, and the wine finishes with tremendous length and ample harmony. 2028-2050”

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard, 2018 ($199.99) and 2002 ($299.99) - Along with its Bosché Vineyard, Freemark Abbey’s Sycamore Vineyard is one of the finest in all of Napa Valley. Purchased and planted in the mid-1970s, it has become a Rutherford icon. The newly released 2018 and the library release of the 2002 offer the opportunity to purchase a wine that is really going places and a wine that is already there. 

Wine Advocate: 95+ “The 2018 Cab Sycamore Vineyards comes from a site (across from Staglin on Bella Oaks) that is still owned by one of the winery’s original partners. Delicate California garrigue notes of mountain scrub and bay leaf frame dark cassis fruit, joined by vibrant raspberries as well. Matured in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, complex, and sturdy blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot finishes dusty and tannic, yet it also has a juicy and mouthwatering finish with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. 2025-40” Give it some decanting now. 

Wine Advocate: 93 “At nearly 20 years of age, the deep garnet-hued 2002 Cabernet Sycamore shows some brick at the rim and offers up classic cigar-box aromas of dried tobacco, cedar, and vanilla plus ample dried fruit. It’s medium to full-bodied, plush, and velvety in feel, with a lingering finish and softly dusty tannins. Fully mature but in no danger of drying out soon. Now-2025” Obviously very limited.

Paul Hobbes Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Piedras, 2012 ($275.00) - From one of Napa's best winemakers and one of Napa's best vineyards. Wine Advocate (Parker): 95 "Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard of St. Helena is a knockout: a broad, opulent, round Cabernet fruit bomb with lots of cassis, incense, and blackberry. The wine is full-bodied, generously endowed with terrific purity, texture, and length. This is a star and, believe it or not, it’s come in well under 15% natural alcohol. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. Drink 2014-2030. From one of Northern California’s most accomplished and respected wine consultants and producers, the 2012s and 2013s will create high expectations, and readers are unlikely to be disappointed by Paul Hobbs and his team.

Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard, 2015 ($289.95) - An iconic winery and an iconic vineyard. In the early 1960s, Joe Heitz did a handshake deal with Tom and Martha May to make wine from their Oakville vineyard. The rest is history. This is consistently one of Napa's best Cabs. Never one to chase after the latest trend, Joe made wines the way he wanted to, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with low alcohol levels (typically 13.8%) and farming organically before organic was even a thing. He also believed that maceration should end before fermentation finishes. His son, David, followed in his footsteps, and so now have the new owners, the Lawrence family, who also own Burgess Cellars. Wine Spectator 95 Top 100 #3! "Enticing, with the frankly ripe profile of the vintage showing off in a display of slightly exotic plum and blackberry coulis flavors, while dark licorice, menthol and sassafras notes course through. Sweet spice accents sparkle through the finish, revealing a lingering hint of singed juniper. The long finish features rippling acidity. Best from 2022 through 2038. "

Joseph Phelps Insignia, 2016 ($299.95) - Always one of Napa's best. Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 99! "Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves, and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie, and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit, and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. Drink 2022-2060"