2014 The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2014 The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

THE MASCOT

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2014 The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
If you’re looking for a Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrors qualities you’d expect from Napa Valley’s most upper echelon wines, made with the same meticulous farming and skilled winemaking methods, Will Harlan’s The Mascot should top your list… The pedigree of the grapes, combined with high-profile winemaking, makes it a hedonistic pleasure to enjoy.
 
The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon arose from distinct hillside vineyards; specifically from the comparatively younger vines of BOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory. Drawing fruit from blocks of more recently replanted vineyards, The Mascot has such deep and expansive flavors and is so compelling, it’ll make you question how you got a wine of this regal quality for this price…
 
While the winery doesn’t specify exact grape varietal percentages in each vintage, The Mascot has historically been 90% or more Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. 
 
THE MASCOT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $140
 
“…Red fruit and baking spice intermingle on the nose, while on entry, the wine is soft, gently accelerating as it reveals athletic structure and shape, culminating in transparency and poise.”
2017 Court Rollan Pater Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Totihue

2017 Court Rollan Pater Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Totihue

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonChileKevin Vogt

COURT ROLLAN

PATER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 ALTO TOTIHUE

2017 Court Rollan Pater Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Totihue
Court Rollan’s roots are deep in Chile’s Cachapoal Valley, but Bordeaux heavily influences their wines. The winery is a partnership between the Court family and historic Bordeaux producer Chateau Larose Trintaudon. Together they produce the brand Court Rollan, and their wine Pater, which is Latin for father, is a pillar of their portfolio and is crafted to showcase the region’s incredible power and strength. Their 2017 vintage is a stunning example of a winery harnessing Chilean fruit’s power and delivering it with balance and elegance. 
 
Pater comes from the high elevation region of Alto Totihue in the Cachapoal Valley, where the alluvial soils and Mediterranean climate create a micro-terroir that produces wine with intense color, bright acidity, and restrained tannins. 
 
The 2017 Pater is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and spent 18 months in barrels. The wine offers a remarkable balance between power and elegance, and at $33, it delivers immense value and enjoyment.
 
COURT ROLLAN
PATER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 ALTO TOTIHUE
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $33
 
“This small-production Cabernet is muscular on the nose, with dusty, spicy berry aromas. A full yet fresh palate is balanced and healthy, while this tastes of spicy currant and plum. A smooth finish with silky tannins isn’t overly demanding, indicating that this is more or less ready to drink; enjoy through 2025.”
93 Points
 
“Blackberry, sandalwood and light tile aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Tangy acidity to the juicy fruit. Drink or hold.”
91 Points
2018 Dayna Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District

2018 Dayna Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

DAYNA ESTATE

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT 

2018 Dayna Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District
Fans of elegantly styled Cabernet Sauvignons with profound aromatics, soft tannins, and long, expansive flavors should look closely at Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll AVA. The region is one of the coolest in Napa Valley and has a strong marine influence from the San Pablo Bay. This microclimate creates one of the longest growing seasons in Napa Valley, optimal for flavor development, maintaining freshness, and overall balance. Dayna Estate’s 2018 Oak Knoll Cabernet is a stunning example of how great they can be, and at the winery retail price of $80, it’s a solid bottle of wine. Of course, at our price, you can’t have too much of this in your cellar.
 
Dayna Estate is a joint venture between Silenus Vintners and Paul Segas. Paul is an experienced grape grower that sold fruit to Chateau Montelena, Robert Mondavi, and Joseph Phelps, and he also runs the show at Highlands Winery on Howell Mountain. His wines are becoming increasingly known for being classic examples of their origins and exceptional values. 
 
The vineyard is on Oak Knoll’s Western Bench that sits at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, where complex soils derived from the large Dry Creek alluvial fan helps produce gorgeous fruit of incredible character. This wine is textbook Oak Knoll Cabernet with an elegant presence on the palate, subtle details, and long, lingering flavors. 
 
DAYNA ESTATE
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT
Retails at: $80
 
 
“The Dayna Estate Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 begins with a lively nose of ripe blackberry purée, Italian glove leather, sweet vanilla spice, and light Spring florals. The palate continues with rich black cherries, juicy pomegranate, and mixed berries, combined with a liquid mineral character, freshly milled black pepper and crushed velvety tannins. The finish is long, focused, energizes your palate and is a delight to enjoy.”
94 Points
 
“Intense ruby red in color with aromas of cassis, plum, black cherry, and cocoa powder. The wine dances on the palate with rich fruit flavors of black cherry, ripe pomegranate, and black violets enhanced with black pepper notes. The rich fruit flavors evolve into a graceful finish loaded with red fruit and smooth tannins. The wine is lush while maintaining a bright freshness.”
2018 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn's Reserve

2018 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn’s Reserve

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonDiamond MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

JAMES JOSEPH 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2018 KATHRYN’S RESERVE 

2018 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn's Reserve
James Joseph has built a reputation for crafting age-worthy Cabernets that are powerfully elegant and profoundly hedonistic for the last eighteen vintages. Without constraint, the wine adapts to each vintage, bringing in new fruit sources or dropping old ones to craft the most extraordinary wine possible. The 2018 vintage is the deepest, most decadent, and hedonistic version yet, and with a total production of just 4 barrels, don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
In this 2018 release, James Joseph combined the power of Diamond Mountain with the concentrated fruit of Atlas Peak and then intertwined the elegance of Rutherford. After nearly two years in French oak, the 2018 vintage offers a spectacular display of deep black fruits, dark chocolates, graphite, and liquid violets. 
 
Grant Long Jr., winemaker at Witchery, Steps, and Aonair, authored this masterpiece. Grant’s wines have a cult following for their incredibly compelling, magnetic style that draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. 
 
JAMES JOSEPH 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2018 KATHRYN’S RESERVE
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
“The 2018 James Joseph Kathryn’s Reserve begins with a nose combining deep, rich aromas of Autumn spiced blackberry cobbler, dried tobacco leaves, fresh mint, and sweet vanilla. The palate is intensely focused, with tantalizing layers of lush, concentrated black currants, crème de cassis, blueberry purée, and espresso roast, all in perfect balance. The ripe fruit tannins are silky smooth, so this wine begs you to drink it now, or over the next 10 years. This release is quite possibly the best James Joseph Kathryn’s ever made.”
96 Points
2015 Maxville Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2015 Maxville Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

MAXVILLE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY

2015 Maxville Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Chiles Valley Cabernet grapes are a recurrent source for many of Napa’s top producers. That’s because the area lies East of Rutherford at elevations ranging from 600-1200 feet, and it’s cooler than the Valley floor, providing ideal conditions for the grapes to retain their natural acidity. Wineries like Volker Eisele and Brown Estate have been making hits there for years, and Maxville, which burst on the scene in 2014, is positioning themselves to be at the top.
 
Maxville hired renowned winemaker Jean Hoefliger to give voice to their incredible Estate. Jean trained in Bordeaux and South Africa before working at powerhouse producers Hartford Court, Newton, and Alpha Omega. 
 
The Estate Vineyard was planted in 1974, and the almost half-century-old vines produce small yields of concentrated and intensely flavored fruit. Their highly distinctive terroir comes through with deep, expressive flavors, finely grained tannins and natural, fresh acidity. 
 
MAXVILLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is another sexy, sweetly fruited effort. Blackcurrants, blueberries, charred earth, and leafy herb notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely balanced, concentrated 2015 that has present tannins and good purity of fruit. It’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
89 Points
 
“There is a considerable amount of Petite Sirah (11%) blended within this wine, which helps emphasize its big power and concentration. Earth, soy, currant, cedar and graphite accent a core of juicy blackberry and chocolate-covered cherry.”
89 Points
 
“Dark opulent ruby and garnet hues with tantalizing aromas of black currant jam, earthy and ripe dark fruits layered with hints of vanilla, cassis and black pepper. The palate has a supple entry that lingers to the back of the mouth with firm tannin structures.”
2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

SULLIVAN

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE 

2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate
Sullivan’s Estate is centered in the Rutherford AVA, an area long celebrated for producing wines with distinctive character, superior elegance, and signature dusty tannins. When Jim Sullivan founded the property, he consulted with legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff who helped design the original vineyards. Their 2014 Estate Cabernet is, as Jeb Dunnuck writes, “classy stuff” with “terrific balance,” and at half price, it’s an absolute steal… 
 
The vineyard is located on Galleron Road, just North of BV and behind Franciscan Estate. It was planted over an ancient riverbed with soil types ranging from clay loam to sandy gravel, and both have excellent drainage, which assists in producing intensely flavored berries. 
 
Winemaker Jeff Cole is well-rounded in his skillset, previously making wines at Laetitia Winery and Windward before joining Schramsberg. He constantly scrutinizes each detail surrounding his winemaking for insights that can take the wine to the next level. If you’re looking for a classic Rutherford Cabernet, that’s awesome now and will cellar for another decade, this is it. 
 
SULLIVAN
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE
Retails at: $120
 
 
“This is a tannic and structured cabernet sauvignon that is tight and focused with lots of dark berry and currant character as well as chocolate and spice undertones. Full and chewy yet so polished and pretty. Give it two or three years to resolve the tannins. Better in 2020.”
93 Points
 
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. This deep purple colored 2014 is classy stuff that offers notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, toasted spice, and graphite. With medium to full-bodied richness, a lush, supple style, and sweet tannin, it has terrific balance and a great finish. I suspect it’s capable of lasting for 10-15 years.”
92 Points
 
“…the 2014 boasts dark cherry with hints of tobacco and cola. This wine has mineral and earthy undertones that compliment the savory dark chocolate notes which add depth and complexity.”
2016 Rafael et Fils Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2016 Rafael et Fils Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

RAFAEL et FILS

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY

2016 Rafael et Fils Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
In winemaking, state-of-the-art equipment and acclaimed fruit sources never hurt, but the human element of having passionate people involved can be as evident as the terroir itself. Marc Rafael is infectiously passionate, spirited, and an all-around nice guy. His wines are some of the most balanced, honest, and well-rounded interpretations of Oak Knoll terroir that I’ve tasted. Even at the winery retail price of around $70, this wine is memorable and overachieving. At our price, it’s one of my favorites in the shop. 
 
Fans of a more Bordeaux styled Napa Cabernet that’s long and persistent, with remarkable balance and subtle early qualities, should look closely at the Western side of the Oak Knoll district. The area’s complex soils and micro-climate that’s one of the coolest in Napa Valley enable the fruit to develop concentrated flavors at ripe sugar levels with refreshing, balanced acidity. 
 
Rafael et Fils Cabernet is all about balance, with complex, lengthy, lingering flavors. Marc ages the wine for 23 months in 30% new French oak barrels to showcase the fruit’s purity. If you’re looking for a Cabernet that will impress even the most discerning palate, give this boutique producer a shot, and I’m confident that you’ll be delighted that you did.
 
RAFAEL et FILS
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $69
 
 
“The 2016 Rafael et Fils Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 perfectly reflect Marc Rafael’s humble style and grace. It is a refined and elegant wine with absolutely every element beautifully arranged and styled in a stunningly harmonious fashion. It begins with deep, seamless aromas of dried currants, blackberries and cassis, combined with subtle tobacco and cedar. On the palate, it is a symphony of red and black fruits, with every nuance in perfect balance. The rich, smooth, complex finish drifts off into infinity with amazing poise, leaving me with a captivating, warming glow.” 93 Points 
2015 Anthem Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Estate

2015 Anthem Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Estate

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUncategorizedUSA

ANTHEM

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER ESTATE

2015 Anthem Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Estate
Every decision making Anthem impacts the quality of wine that they produce, and their production team is free to vinify without regard to cost or other extraneous factors. You can taste their relentless drive for creating the highest quality wine possible from their Estate in every glass. The wines are crafted by Jeff Ames, who mentored under Thomas Rivers Brown at Schrader, Maybach, Outpost, and TOR before becoming head winemaker at TOR in 2005. Jeff is also the owner/winemaker at Rudius, which was my #1 wine in 2019.
 
Mount Veeder arose from an ancient seabed, and it’s the coolest Mountain AVA in Napa, known for producing complex, savory and age-worthy Cabernets. Jeff accentuates those flavors in an elegantly balanced way and doesn’t lose the sense of place.
 
Anthem’s Cabernet is all about balance, length, and escalating intensity, and the 2015 vintage is stunningly rich with penetrating red fruits laced with savory characteristics. The vines yielded just 1.9 tons per acre of super-concentrated berries, and after 18 months in barrel and three years in the bottle, this wine rocks.
 
ANTHEM
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER ESTATE
Retails at: $135
 
 
“A juicy and fruity red with chocolate, red peppers and hints of herbs. Full body, round and succulent tannins and a flavorful finish. Lovely mountain wine. Drink or hold.” 93 Points
 
“A polished and lush version, with boysenberry and blueberry reduction notes forming the core of flavors, while licorice snap and fruitcake hints fill in. Features a roasted apple wood backdrop, though the fruit easily takes center stage through the rich finish. Best from 2020 through 2035…” 92 Points
 
“… Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with notes of prunes, raisin cake and spice box with hints of fresh figs, tobacco and new leather. Full-bodied with a plush frame and loads of evolving baked berries layers, it has tons of spices coming through on the finish.” 91 Points
 
“Our 2015 Mt. Veeder Estate Cabernet is a blockbuster mountain Cabernet from Anthem’s own vineyards located at 400 feet in Napa Valley’s Western hillsides. The lower yields in 2015 produced fruit with intense, plush dark berry flavors that Winemaker Jeff Ames crafted into an exquisitely rich Mt. Veeder Cabernet.”
2017 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

2017 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

CADE 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
 
2017 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
CADE’s vision is to produce a modern Howell Mountain Cabernet that articulates their majestic grapes’ power while balancing all of the other components from acidity and tannins to oak. They’re able to achieve this with state-of-the-art equipment, organically farmed grapes, and a talented winemaking team led by Danielle Cyrot, who spent six years at Stags’ Leap Winery. Jeb Dunnuck calls their 2017 “a brilliant value,” and with a 96 point score, don’t hesitate to secure some.
 
Composed from five of the best vineyards on Howell Mountain, including Ink Grade, Eagle Summit, Cold Springs, Cade Estate, and Cade 13th, this wine offers a vivid glimpse into the power of Howell Mountain fruit.  
 
After developing for 19 months in barrel and more than a year in the bottle, the 2017 release is stunningly complex, polished, and laced with intriguing minerals. The wine is rocking right now and promises another decade or more of improvement.
 
CADE 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
Retails at: $110
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“Coming from estate fruit on Howell Mountain and made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% each of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a darker, more mineral-driven style compared to the Napa release. It has beautiful blackcurrant, cassis, forest floor, graphite, and tobacco leaf-like aromas and flavors. Deep, full-bodied, beautifully polished and elegant, it’s another remarkable effort from this team. As Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon goes, it’s a brilliant value!” 96 Points
 
“The 2017 Cade Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple colored and a little closed, slowly giving up warm cassis, blackberry tart and mulberries with touches of spice box, pencil shavings and Marmite toast. The full-bodied palate is firm, grainy and muscular with an earthy expression and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.”  94 Points
 
“The wine has aromas of blueberry, blackberry, coco nibs, cran- raspberry, roasted coffee, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, mint, and fruit leather. The wine has a velvety texture with lush and prominent tannins and bright acidity. There are flavors of boysenberry, blueberry pie, red cherry, cola, vanilla, graham cracker, and chocolate truffles.”
2017 Luke Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Luke Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

LUKE GOLDSCHMIDT

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2017 ALEXANDER VALLEY

2017 Luke Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley is celebrated for producing value Cabernets with a bold structure, mouth-quenching acidity, and intense dark fruits that are age-worthy and can be captivating on release. Nick Goldschmidt has produced some brilliant examples over the years, and he’s well-versed in the region, having made SIMI wines since the early 90s. Luke Goldschmidt is a partnership between Nick and his son Luke, and like his father, Luke has vast experience making wine all over the world from Chile, France, Spain, Argentina to New Zealand. At $22, this wine is rocking.
 
The 2017 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from low-vigor vines, yielding just 3.5 tons per acre of highly concentrated berries. The wine is deep and rich on the palate, and layered with red and black fruits, cocoa, cherry pipe tobacco, and dried herbs. 
 
Nick and Luke fermented this release in a combination of French, American, and Hungarian Oak barrels, which added compelling spice notes and vexations of toasty oak. Just like in previous Goldschmidt Cabernets, this beauty out-performs others at double its price.
 
LUKE GOLDSCHMIDT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2017 ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at: $25
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
“Nicely focused red cherry and red raspberry aromas. Loaded with red berry fruit flavors with a touch of caramel, dark chocolate, and toasty oak. Full and well-structured from the long hang time. The texture is smooth and the mouth medium bodied. White pepper and spice in the finish with long and supple tannins.”