2017 Ty Caton Estate Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

2017 Ty Caton Estate Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainMt VeederSonomaUSA

TY CATON

2017 ESTATE KNOLL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2017 Ty Caton Estate Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District
Ty Caton created his Cabernet Collection to highlight the very best blocks within his Estate Vineyard on Moon Mountain. Ty’s Estate Knoll Cabernet is from a tiny half-acre block, which took over 80 jackhammer bits to plant the 559 vines. The resulting wine has penetrating dark fruits, remarkable depth, and character, and at 40% below retail, I recommend you grab some while you can.
 
Ty’s Vineyard is on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, where the well-drained red volcanic soils are also home to icons like the Monte Rosso, which was made famous by Louis Martini, and Frederick’s Vineyard used by Turley. 
 
Moon Mountain AVA Cabernets can combine the robust, hedonistic qualities found on Mount Veeder with the elegance and savory characteristics common on Spring Mountain. Ty’s 70 case production Estate Knoll Cabernet is a stunning example of just how great they can be, and at just $36/btl, you’ll savor every drop.
 
TY CATON
2017 ESTATE KNOLL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $60
 
 
“The Caton Estate “Knoll” Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 seduces you with a nose including red currants, cherry cola, spearmint, light florals, and Christmas spices. The concentrated palate is captivating with beautiful red and black cherries, sweet & tart black plums, dried mushrooms, and vanilla hints. The finish is balanced, with integrated flavors and slightly dusty tannins. It drinks beautifully now and will improve for another decade or so.”
94 Points
2016 Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

2016 Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapa

CORNERSTONE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 ATLAS PEAK

2016 Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak
Cornerstone Cellars is a foundational producer, and when wedged into the under-fifty category for Napa Cabernet, they are tough to beat. Their brand’s fundamental attribute is cemented in top-level winemaking and access to some of the most expressive vineyards in Napa Valley. Their 2016 Atlas Peak Cabernet arose from Dr. Jan Krupp’s iconic Stagecoach Vineyard, revered for well-drained soils producing powerful berries laced with volcanic subtleties. At less than half the price of the winery retail, don’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
This stunning wine was composed by Kari Auringer, who worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone and contributed to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names, including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming, and Corra, to name a few. 
 
This wine makes its splash from one of Napa Valley’s most outstanding vintages, and one that the Wine Spectator ranks as the highest-rated vintage since 1997. The 2016 release brings superior concentration, scrumptious dark fruits, and absolutely killer focus. 
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at: $95
 
 
“The Cornerstone Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 begins with a beautifully elegant nose including lavender & violets, wild sage, mountain blackberries, black raspberry, pencil lead, bright red currants, and Autumn Spices. It is clean and vibrant on the palate, with a beautiful combination of black cherries, red plums, and assorted black berries, along with a pristine freshness, seamless complexity, and linear focus. It concludes with a long, powerful finish, including lively fruit tannins, fresh tobacco leaf, earthy minerals, and vanilla spice. Drink now through 2032.”
95 Points
 
“The first swirl of this provocative hillside Cabernet releases classic mountain grown fruit characteristics of intense ripe berries and black licorice. Bold and expressive, the core is bursting with primarily black ripe fruit with a bit of red berry notes. The complex mid-palate is satisfying and seductive, offering spice and sweet vanilla flavors with integrated tannins that linger on the finish. The layers of flavors continue to unfold as this tasty gem opens up. Always evolving, this wine immediately begs another taste.”
2016 Faust The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley

2016 Faust The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAUST

2016 THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2016 Faust The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley
Faust’s 96 point The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 was created from their most expressive blocks from the Estate Vineyard in Coombsville and was crafted to epitomize the purest expression of the Estate. Formerly a dairy farm, the property was developed by the Huneeus family, who also own Quintessa. They chose it for its diversity of soil, elevation, exposition, and climate that’s cooler than most areas of Napa Valley. This remarkable 2016 resulted from the culmination of their vision, work developing the land, and perfecting their winemaking.
 
Faust winemakers Jen Beloz and David Jelinek produced this masterpiece. Jen gained her experience while working under Joel Peterson at Ravenswood Winery before joining Huneeus and becoming winemaker at Prisoner in 2011.  
 
The 2016 release is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, born in Quintessa’s state-of-the-art winery in Rutherford. After 19 months in barrel and a couple of years of development in the bottle, the 2016 offering is a stunning beauty.
 
FAUST
2016 THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $130
 
Your Price: $79.99
 
“This is very layered and beautiful with tannins that unfold horizontally and melt into the wine. So much subtle and complex currant and green-olive character with a hint of fresh tobacco. Drink or hold.”
96 Points
 
“… Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals bold red and black currants scents with touches of crushed rocks, new leather, fried herbs, rose hip tea and wood smoke plus a hint of incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers and rock-solid structure of firm, ripe, grainy tannins framing the muscular fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced.”
95 Points
 
“Black cherry and black currant generously welcome the nose and reward the palate with a plush texture and fresh acidity. Dark fruit and graphite, along with tobacco, star anise and dark cocoa flavors await you with a seductive finish that lasts for an eternity.”
– David Jelinek, Winemaker
2013 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

2013 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

MINER

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
STAGECOACH VINEYARD

2013 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard
Miner has consistently produced powerfully elegant wines since the late 90s, under the guidance of Gary Brookman, who had honed his skills at Joseph Phelps and Grace Family. In excellent years like 2013, their Cabernets can perform at an exceptionally high level after around five years in the bottle, where they become even more enchanting and powerfully hedonistic. Their 95 Point 2013 Stagecoach Cabernet is a prime example of this, and now it drinks like it should be double the price.
 
Stagecoach Vineyard was developed in 1995 by Dr. Jan Krupp, and it took more than seven years to clear over one billion pounds of volcanic rock. The vineyard stretches from Pritchard Hill to an area overlooking Miner Winery in Oakville, and the well-drained soils produce powerful berries laced with volcanic subtleties. 
 
This wine emerges from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality, and one that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years.” After 21 months in premium French oak barrels and more than five years of development inside the bottle, this wine is stunningly brilliant right now.  
 
MINER
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
STAGECOACH VINEYARD
Retails at: $110
 
 
“Aromas of blackberry, walnut and light, wet earth follow through to a full to medium body, light chocolate and a long finish. Refined and polished. Classic style. Better in 2019”
95 Points
 
“An impressively elegant wine from this rugged mountain top vineyard on the eastern slopes of Napa Valley. With black cherry and licorice flavors, flanked by firm yet lush tannins. A wine as special as this undeniably unique vineyard.”
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.”