2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

Stewart

Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville 2021

2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

Stewart’s 2021 Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon captivated our panel with the distinctive traits of this quietly revered AVA—fragrant aromatics, precisely chiseled tannins, and a delicate balance of opulence and restraint. Sourced from the coveted eastern edge of Yountville, where alluvial soils and benchland terroir echo the character of distinguished neighbors like Kapcsándy and Gemstone, this wine offers remarkable pedigree at an inviting price.

Yountville’s unique expression unfolds through finesse, structure, and grace. Its proximity to San Pablo Bay ushers in cool morning fog, prolonging the growing season and coaxing Cabernet to mature with poise. Rooted in gravelly earth, the vines reach deep, yielding fruit marked by innate concentration, purity, and refinement. A Cabernet emerges that whispers rather than shouts—satin in texture, vividly nuanced, and poised for years in the cellar.

The 2021 vintage was one of Napa’s most exceptional, shaped by modest yields and striking fruit intensity. Stewart Cellars embraced the opportunity, crafting a wine that captures the season’s potential. For those attuned to Napa’s hidden gems, this release is a refined, resonant find, ready to delight now or over time.

Stewart
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville 2021
Retails at: $95

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“While deep and concentrated, this full-bodied wine is also smooth in texture, not overly tight with tannins, and woos you with ample blueberry, black cherry and mint flavors. Drinkable soon with decanting, but able to age well through 2030.”

93 Points

2019 Rubia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2019 Rubia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

Rubia

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2019

2019 Rubia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Rubia’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges as a striking reflection of its mountain origins, deftly balancing vigor with refinement. Drawn from the lofty slopes of Howell Mountain and the untamed ridges of Calistoga, it captures the untempered energy of its rugged birthplace while unveiling a polished grace. Guided by the skilled hands of Julien Fayard, a luminary among Napa Valley’s winemakers, this wine commands the senses with its robust, mountain-born intensity, softened by a seamless elegance.

Julien Fayard’s journey lends depth to this creation. Shaped by his time at revered French estates like Château Lafite Rothschild, he carried his mastery to Napa, collaborating with Philippe Melka before stepping forward as a trailblazer in the region’s contemporary winemaking scene. His finesse shines through in this wine—a compelling blend of structure and allure, where the firm tannins of the mountains are artfully tamed.

Limited to just 130 cases, the 2019 vintage matured for nearly two years in French oak, then rested four more in the bottle, allowing its initial intensity to evolve into a refined majesty. Now approaching its finest hour, this Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a captivating harmony of power and subtlety—a wine of undeniable pedigree and exceptional value.

Rubia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2019
Retails at: $130

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“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) from Rubia is a boisterous, heady wine loaded with character and personality. A blast of inky blue/purplish fruit makes a strong first impression. Spice, rose petal, chocolate and licorice add layers of flavor to this full-throttle, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-throttle style works well here.”

94 Points

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Thistle & Thorn

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Exceptional wines often emerge from careful intent, yet occasionally, they owe their existence to the whims of chance. The tale of Thistle & Thorn unfolds as a fortunate twist of fate—a wine that almost slipped through the cracks. When a coveted batch of Napa Valley grapes found itself without a home, winemaker Blair Guthrie faced a pivotal decision: let the fruit wither on the vine or embrace the opportunity to shape something remarkable. Guided by intuition, he chose to act.

Blair Guthrie’s path is as captivating as the bottles he produces. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, he pursued the study of enology and viticulture with a steady resolve that would eventually lead him across continents. His formative years under the tutelage of Paul Hobbs refined a winemaking approach centered on the purity of fruit, harmonic balance, and a vivid sense of origin.

Drawn from the organically tended Juliana Vineyard, this wine embodies Napa Valley’s finest qualities. It unfolds with rich, dark fruit, finely woven tannins, and a poised intricacy that elevates its allure—an inviting portrait of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, born not by chance but from the vision of a winemaker who recognized possibility amid uncertainty.

Thistle & Thorn
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $50

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“The Thistle & Thorn 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon begins with aromas of green peppercorns, sweet rose, black currants, blackberries, black tea leaves, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine has penetrative flavors of black fruits, balsamic reduction, and baking spices with a warm, inviting character and a pleasant finish. This wine has an excellent concentration of fruit and spice notes, adding layered complexity and extra enjoyment.”

92 Points

2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Timeless

Proprietary Red
Soda Canyon Ranch
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

The 2021 Timeless Soda Canyon Ranch Red reflects the enduring vision of one of Napa Valley’s most storied wine families, capturing their craft at its pinnacle. Created by the Duncan family as a tribute to Silver Oak co-founder Ray Duncan, Timeless stands as a link between heritage and horizon—the finest gem of their wine estates.

This wine emerges from the striking landscape of Soda Canyon Ranch, a vivid expression of its singular terroir. Tucked within the Vaca Mountains, the site blends diverse microclimates with intricate volcanic soils, infusing the fruit with richness and nuance.

A masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a hint of Petit Verdot, the 2021 vintage draws from carefully chosen blocks to reveal the estate’s distinctive character. Guided by winemaker Nate Weis, it unfolds with both strength and finesse—a harmonious balance of deep, layered power and smooth, refined elegance. This is a wine that candidly speaks of its origins, its lineage, and the skill that shaped it.

Timeless
Proprietary Red
Soda Canyon Ranch
Napa Valley 2021
Retails at: $225

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“This Timeless Napa Valley Red 2021 is a captivating expression of Napa Valley terroir, earning a well-deserved 96 points. The nose is immediately engaging, a complex tapestry woven from rich black currant compote and the delicate perfume of elderflower. There’s a sultry, almost exotic allure here, underscored by intriguing notes of crushed rocks and the subtle warmth of brioche. A whisper of sweet vanilla adds a final touch of elegance. On the palate, the wine is focused and concentrated, yet maintains an elegant balance. Fresh currants and kirsch dance on the tongue, revealing the wine’s vibrant core. The skillful use of French oak is evident, adding a refined layer of complexity without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, with supple, beautifully integrated fruit tannins promising graceful aging potential. This is a truly timeless red blend, showcasing the best of Napa Valley.”

96 Points

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

Paradigm

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon has long been a hidden gem of Oakville—a wine that marries remarkable heritage with exceptional value, quietly cherished by discerning collectors until its recent emergence. That shift began when Jonathan Cristaldi, a noted writer for Decanter, discovered Paradigm on a Napa Valley wine list. Captivated by its rich complexity and finesse, he paid an unscheduled visit to the winery, where he affirmed what those in the know have always understood: Paradigm stands apart.

Situated just south of the renowned To-Kalon Vineyard, Paradigm Estate lies in the company of Napa Valley’s most celebrated neighbors—Opus One, Martha’s Vineyard, and Harlan Estate. This distinctive terroir lends the wine an indelible character, where Oakville’s signature balance of strength and grace shines through.

Shaped by the legendary Heidi Barrett—whose expertise has defined some of the region’s most coveted bottlings—Paradigm reflects the depth, structure, and composure that mark Oakville’s finest. Yet, in an age when Napa’s top wines reach ever-loftier heights of acclaim, Paradigm remains a rare find: an estate whose offerings rival the splendor of their storied peers while staying refreshingly attainable.

Paradigm
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

Your Price: $98

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“This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot was fermented in stainless steel with a small percentage of whole berries included. Winemaker Mark Fasi explains that pressing off the wine before it goes dry helps to soften the tannins. The wine is then aged 18–20 months in approximately 50% new French oak. The Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignons are medium-bodied and exude utmost elegance, showcasing soaring tannins that are assertive yet beautifully integrated and framed by crisp, juicy acidity. The palate reveals pure and gorgeous red berry fruit, complemented by a panoply of brown spices, wild herbs like sage, and floral notes of lilacs and violets. This wine is absolutely pure, brimming with energy and tension, and delivers a stunningly refined expression. A remarkable effort, embodying balance, vitality, and sophistication. Truly impressive. The winemaker is legendary Napa icon Heidi Barrett. Mark Fasi, who joined the winery in 2010 and has worked hand-in-hand with Barrett, takes the helm as winemaker with the 2023 vintage.”

97 Points

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMerlotMt VeederNapaUSA

Claudio Family Cellars

Merlot 2022
Mt. Veeder

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

Claudio Family Cellars’ 2022 Merlot captures the vivid essence of mountain viticulture, blending intensity and grace into a wine of striking harmony. Grown on the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder, it reveals Merlot’s potential for depth and distinction when shaped by such untamed terroir. Winemaker Chris Jones has deftly crafted a wine that echoes the mountain’s raw energy while delivering a refined vibrancy that distinguishes it from the ordinary.

Jones’ journey to this creation is as compelling as the wine itself. Beginning as a home winemaker in Minnesota, his curiosity and drive carried him to Napa and Sonoma. There, he refined his craft through an internship at Sojourn Cellars before founding Claudio Family Cellars. His 2022 Mount Veeder Merlot reflects this arc—bold yet poised, it channels the mountain’s strength with clarity and elegance.

Mount Veeder, a scarce source of Napa’s output at under two percent, yields wines of rare concentration from its steep inclines and ancient, mineral-rich soils. The 2022 Merlot embodies this duality—rich yet precise, with layers of black cherry, violet, and wild sage unfolding alongside dark fruit and earthy nuance, culminating in a smooth, lingering finish. It’s a vivid example of Merlot’s ability to flourish in the high, wild reaches of the mountains.

Claudio Family Cellars
Merlot 2022
Mt. Veeder
Retails at: $40

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“The Claudio Family Cellars 2022 Merlot from Mt Veeder opens with fresh aromas of lavender, subtle herbal notes, cherry, raspberry, cloves, white pepper, and a graphite minerality. On the palate, the wine has a plush texture balanced with mountain fruit characteristics and flavors of red plum, vanilla, baking spices, and mocha. Mt Veeder is one of Napa Valley’s cooler growing environments, giving this wine elegance but with an excellent structure from this mountainside location.”

94 Points

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUSA

Gro

Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

The 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay from GRO Wines captures the wild allure of Mount Veeder, where steep volcanic slopes and the gentle chill of San Pablo Bay shape a wine of striking clarity. Subtle notes of orchard fruits like Meyer lemon and ripe golden apple mingle with a faint trace of crème fraîche, unfolding across the palate with a crisp, mineral edge that lingers beautifully.

GRO Wines is the vision of Lars Bjorkman and Molly Hill, both honed by their UC Davis training and deeply tied to Napa Valley’s legacy. Lars, who refines his craft under Nils Venge at Saddleback Cellars, views GRO as a creative pursuit—a chance to illuminate Napa’s diverse landscapes through small-batch winemaking. Alongside Molly, he seeks out vineyards with distinctive souls, and Haspel Vineyard shines as a rare discovery.

Mount Veeder demands care and finesse in winemaking, yielding wines that balance grace with intensity. At this remarkable price, the 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay offers a privileged glimpse into the raw elegance of this storied region—a chance to savor Mt. Veeder’s essence in its purest form.

Gro
Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022
Retails at: $44

Your Price: $32

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“The nose is mineral-driven, with aromas of lemon pith, grapefruit, struck match and river stones. The plate is full-bodied with racy acidity, giving generous notes of lime curd, white chocolate and creme brulee. Flashy and vibrant, with some sophisticated reduction. Drink or hold.”

92 Points

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Matthew Wallace

The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Matthew Wallace presents an unparalleled opportunity for Cabernet enthusiasts to experience world-class pedigree without the premium price tag—an impeccably crafted wine shaped by two of Napa Valley’s most revered talents. This estate-driven Cabernet is the culmination of a longstanding partnership between Matt Hardin, a sixth-generation Napa grower and masterful viticulturist, and Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the region’s most celebrated winemakers. For over fifteen years, their collaboration has defined some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines, including Maybach, Outpost, Pulido-Walker, Casa Piena, and Caterwaul—each a benchmark of excellence. 

With an intimate connection to his estate vineyard, Matt Hardin hand-selected 18 of its most prized rows, ensuring only the most pristine clusters made the cut. Each grape was meticulously sorted, upholding an uncompromising quality standard. In Thomas Rivers Brown’s masterful hands, the fruit is transformed into a wine of profound depth and complexity. Crafted in his signature style—richly textured, impeccably balanced, and seamlessly layered—the 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon captivates—a wine of both power and finesse, it leaves an indelible impression long after the last sip.

Matthew Wallace
The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $65

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“This wine unfurls with a captivating nose, where black currants and crushed blueberries weave together, accented by elegant cloves and nutmeg. Subtle, alluring, sweet vanilla emerges, leading to delicate spring florals that linger. On the palate, it reveals itself with generosity—rich, juicy, and enveloping, brimming with ripe, vibrant fruit. The texture is supple and seamless, flowing like satin across the tongue, carrying waves of blue and black fruits that echo the aromas. It builds gracefully into a complex, lingering finish, leaving a refined impression of depth and harmony. A wine that speaks quietly of its elegance, yet resonates long after the glass is set down.”

96+ Points

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

ADAMVS

TÉRES 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Few wineries embody the untamed elegance of Howell Mountain with the depth and finesse of ADAMVS. Guided by the skilled hand of winemaker Alberto Bianchi and enriched by the insightful expertise of consultant Philippe Melka, ADAMVS is a pinnacle of precision, strength, and poise within one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated regions.

Set high above the valley, Howell Mountain is renowned for crafting Cabernet of extraordinary depth and intricacy. Its rugged, volcanic soils—stony and quick to drain—challenge the vines, producing small berries bursting with concentrated flavor. In 2008, Denise and Stephen Adams saw the rare promise of this terrain and founded ADAMVS across five unique vineyard blocks spanning elevations from 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

The 2019 TÉRES is a refined reflection of this distinctive estate, a carefully curated barrel selection drawn from all five soil profiles to weave a field blend of striking unity. After four years of bottle aging, it has matured into a wine of captivating power and grace. This vintage enthralled our tasting panel, unfolding with a poised interplay of lively youth and the layered complexity that signals a vibrant evolution ahead.

ADAMVS
TÉRES 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain

Your Price: $140

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“This generous and plush wine shows elegance along with brawn. A tempting aroma of red and black fruit, violets and dark chocolate leads to deep and complex raspberries, cherries, blueberries and mocha flavors as firm but polished tannins wrap them up snugly. Best from 2027.”

95 Points

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaSyrahUSA

Sequum

Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

Sequum’s Kidd Ranch Syrah beautifully captures the essence of its Napa Valley origins. Crafted in small batches at their Saint Helena estate, this wine reflects the meticulous care and dedication of Paul Skinner. A respected viticulturist and soil scientist, Skinner’s intimate understanding of the land informs every vintage, creating a wine that speaks of its unique terroir.

The Kidd Ranch Vineyard is Skinner’s expression of Napa’s rich viticultural heritage. His daily presence in the vineyard is a constant dialogue with the vines, each row nurtured with meticulous attention. By carefully selecting different Syrah clones, each matched to specific rootstocks and soil types, Skinner pays homage to the traditions of the Northern Rhône.

The 2022 vintage displays both poise and elegance. Sequum’s dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking results in a wine that authentically expresses the interplay of nature and skilled craftsmanship. This Syrah presents exceptional value, offering a quality comparable to much higher-priced wines, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fine wine without unnecessary formality.

Sequum
Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $60.00

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“The 2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah is a compelling expression of Napa Valley fruit. The nose opens with a dynamic interplay of kirsch and boysenberry syrup, grounded by a distinct minerality reminiscent of iron dust and delicate violets. On the palate, this wine showcases a concentrated complexity. Wild mountain blackberries are interwoven with bright red currants and juicy, ripe blueberries. The fruit profile is penetrating and complex, accented by subtle baking spices. A beautiful balance of richness and freshness defines the wine, with vibrant, mouth-quenching fruit supported by soft, supple tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and ultimately satisfying. This is, without a doubt, the finest Sequum Syrah to date.”

96 Points