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

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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

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

Silver Ghost

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2023

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Silver Ghost’s Napa Valley Cabernet has consistently delighted even the most refined palates, offering a compelling combination of elegance, genuine character, and exceptional value. The 2023 vintage upholds this tradition, presenting a remarkable expression of Napa Valley terroir, skillfully crafted by winemaker Weston Eidson. Sourcing fruit from carefully chosen vineyards in Oakville, Yountville, and Sugar Loaf Mountain, Eidson conducts a harmonious blend of flavors that captures the essence of Napa Valley.

Comprising 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and a subtle touch of Petit Verdot, the 2023 vintage captivates with poise and equilibrium. Eidson’s meticulous selection from each vineyard results in a wine of both power and grace, showcasing the brilliance of Napa’s diverse landscape and the skill of a winemaker who respects its heritage while elevating its quality at this accessible price point.

Weston’s path to winemaking mastery is a story of unwavering commitment. Apprenticing with Jason Moore of Modus Operandi and the renowned Russell Bevan, Eidson has refined his art with precision and fervor. His 2023 vintage is a celebration of his tireless quest for quality—an enduring narrative of artistry, terroir, and vision.

Silver Ghost
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2023
Retails at: $45

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“The Silver Ghost 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich, opulent aromas of blackberry pie, ripe blueberries, and black plum, layered with rich dark berry preserves, boysenberry, and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, unfolding with decadent flavors of chocolate-covered raisins, carob, cassis, and sweet tobacco leaves, lending a slightly savory edge. Notes of anise and cedar add to the wine’s complexity on the finish with silky tannins and well-integrated oak.”

92 Points

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet FrancKevin VogtNapaPritchard HillUSA

Haute Montagne

Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

The Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc was the brightest shining light at our recent tasting. Its seamless blend of dark fruit, intricate complexity, and striking elegance immediately captivated everyone present. Winemaker Douglas Danielak has skillfully captured the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill. The high-altitude terrain and cool microclimate produce wines of remarkable depth and character. Minimal intervention allows the vines to flourish in a natural balance, resulting in exceptional purity.

Danielak’s expertise is the product of extensive experience. With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis and training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune in Burgundy, he has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft. His work at Knights Bridge has earned significant critical acclaim, and Wine Spectator recognized him as a “Winemaker to Watch” for his visionary approach. Each bottle he crafts showcases a rare harmony of technical skill and artistic inspiration.

Crafted using traditional French oak and the time-honored Bordeaux method, this wine elegantly combines the classic refinement of old-world winemaking with the opulent character of California fruit. The resulting Cabernet Franc possesses power and grace—a compelling and sophisticated expression of this distinguished varietal.

Haute Montagne
Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley 2021
Retails at:$90

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“This Pritchard Hill Cabernet Franc possesses a captivating allure. The nose unfolds with briary red and black berries, their vibrant fruitiness entwined with a mineral core of crushed granite and a hint of iron. Licorice adds a touch of intrigue, while cocoa powder and dried sage contribute to the complex aromas. A subtle lavender perfume lingers, adding a unique floral note. On the palate, the wine delivers a powerful yet refined expression of mountain fruit. Intensely penetrating flavors of concentrated boysenberry and black currant are complemented by the brisk acidity of Darjeeling black tea. Dusty tannins provide a firm yet elegant structure, while a touch of espresso bean adds complexity. The wine is incredibly focused and balanced, with a brilliantly orchestrated interplay of fruit, acidity, and tannin. The finish is remarkably long and mouth-watering, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit and savory spice. This Cabernet Franc is a truly exceptional wine that beautifully showcases the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.”

97 Points

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSaint HelenaUSA

Ehlers

Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

Ehlers Estate’s 2022 Portrait marks a new era in winemaking, guided by the vision of Adam Casto. His experience spans the diverse vineyards of New Zealand, Chile, Australia, and France, bringing a global perspective to his craft. Eleven years with the renowned Philippe Melka at DANA and Gandona Estates further shaped his approach, one that unites meticulous technique with a deep passion for the vine. The 2022 Portrait is the first wine to fully express this vision—a remarkable example of his dedication to crafting site-specific, terroir-driven wines.

Located on the northwestern edge of Saint Helena, Ehlers Estate boasts a rich history, its viticultural origins dating back to the mid-19th century. The estate’s organic farming practices are more than just a method; they reflect a commitment to nurturing the land and cultivating fruit of exceptional purity and complexity.

A harmonious blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, interwoven with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the 2022 Portrait embodies Adam’s aim: to capture the distinct character of Ehlers’ terroir while achieving a balance of elegance and strength. The result is a refined, velvety wine where structure and suppleness coexist, the varietals merging into a cohesive story—a portrait of both place and the winemaker’s devotion.

Ehlers
Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $72

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“This wine immediately grabs your attention yet does so with an understated grace. The nose opens with compelling ripe blueberries and kirsch, their sweetness enhanced by subtle Italian glove leather and a distinct, dusty minerality. It’s a bouquet with both richness and restraint, alluding to the complexity to come. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a supple texture and satiny tannins that balance the rich, sweet black fruit power. Black currants and blueberry compote create a core of concentrated flavor. A saline note adds a mouth-quenching component to the fruit’s intensity, while black tea lends further nuance. The wine’s structure is compact and focused, promising longevity, yet it remains remarkably approachable. The finish is fabulous—long, luxurious, and leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. This Napa red blend showcases the best of the vintage, offering both immediate pleasure and the potential for graceful aging. It’s a wine that invites contemplation, revealing new layers with each sip.”

95 Points

2019 Anakita Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard

2019 Anakita Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtKnight's ValleyNapaUSA

Anakota

Cabernet Sauvignon
Helena Montana Vineyard
Knights Valley 2019

2019 Anakita Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard

Anakota’s Helena Montana Cabernet is a masterful expression of terroir and craftsmanship, embodying the pinnacle of world-class viticulture. Nestled on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, this singular vineyard basks in cool Pacific breezes, tempering the warm valley sun to create an ideal microclimate for Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Under the visionary guidance of 100-point winemaker Pierre Seillan, who champions Knights Valley as one of the world’s premier regions for Cabernet, Anakota crafts wines that echo the gravitas of Bordeaux’s Pauillac, while remaining distinctly Californian.

Perched at 950 feet, the Helena Montana Vineyard sprawls across 60 acres of steep, undulating terrain, its vines rooted in rocky, volcanic soils that impart power and concentration. Over the decades, this vineyard has yielded wines marked by their commanding structure, refined elegance, and longevity—hallmarks that shine brilliantly in the 2019 vintage. The 2019 Helena Montana promises to, and already has evolved gracefully, standing as a testament to the vineyard’s enduring legacy and the art of meticulous winemaking.

Anakota
Cabernet Sauvignon
Helena Montana Vineyard
Knights Valley 2019
Retails at: $175

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“Incredibly spicy and aromatic with pumice and cloves. Pops out of the glass. Cedar, too. Full-bodied with soft, polished tannins adding tension and creaminess. Long and beautiful. All about class and breeding. Try after 2025.”

99 Points

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Silver Oak

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2020

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Silver Oak’s Cabernet is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. For over five decades, this family-owned winery has remained steadfast in its mission: to craft world-class Cabernet while championing sustainable farming and innovative winemaking. A defining moment in its evolution came when Silver Oak took complete control of its barrel aging process, acquiring a Missouri cooperage to ensure unparalleled quality. This commitment to precision has propelled the winery to new heights.

Since its founding in 1972, Silver Oak has earned its place as one of America’s most revered Cabernet Sauvignon producers. For generations, it has achieved the rare feat of crafting age-worthy wines that are immediately compelling upon release. With each vintage, the winery reaffirms its commitment to crafting wines of depth, structure, and seamless elegance, a philosophy that has made Silver Oak a benchmark.

The 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking expression of this mastery. Defined by its opulent concentration, velvety texture, and refined complexity, it embodies the meticulous craftsmanship and sustainable ethos that have become Silver Oak’s signature. A wine that speaks to both legacy and innovation, the 2020 vintage is a profound reminder of why Silver Oak remains an icon in Napa Valley.

Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2020
Retails at: $200

Your Price: $149.99

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“The Silver Oak 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet opens with supple aromas of blackberries, black plums, cocoa powder, sweet spices, toast, forest floor, dried sage, and a wet stone minerality. On the palate, the wine is seductive and sophisticated, with fine, smooth tannins and flavors of black cherries, cassis, cloves, savory spice, and melted dark chocolate. The wine has a silky texture and layered complexity that slowly unfolds with each sip into a long, seductive finish.”

97 Points

NV Lortum Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #9 Row 48 Napa Valley

NV Lortum Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #9 Row 48 Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Lortum Riché

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #9 | Row 48
Napa Valley NV

NV Lortum Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #9 Row 48 Napa Valley

Lortum Riché Vineyards, a family-owned winery now in its second generation, is dedicated to crafting wines of exceptional concentration and authentic luxury. Their modern winemaking facility, combined with strong relationships with Napa Valley’s most respected growers, ensures unwavering quality.

The name “Lortum” combines “lor” and “tum,” forming a “ripe exclamation of surprise,” and combined with “Riché” signifies a “rich, ripe exclamation of surprise,” reflecting the essence of the quality of fruit found in each bottle. 

Winemaker Kevin Morrisey, renowned for his work at Ehlers Estate, brings his expertise to Lortum Riché. He strives to create wines of energy, focus, and complexity, achieved through meticulous viticulture and gentle fruit handling.

The Lortum Riché ‘Row 48 – Cask 9’ is a masterfully blended non-vintage wine that captures the spirit of Napa Valley. It offers enticing aromas and a satiny, vibrant, medium/full body. The finish is warm, layered, and remarkably long, with beautifully balanced fruit.

Lortum Riché
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #9 | Row 48
Napa Valley NV
Retails at: $85

Your Price: $25

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“Kevin Morrisey, formerly of Ehlers Estate, crafted this multi-vintage blend of 2019, 2021, and 2022 fruit. It offers an easy-drinking profile with red and black fruit character, complemented by sweet cedar spices. Medium-bodied, it features notes of dark chocolate and fine-grained tannins, leading to a tremendously satisfying finish.”

92 Points

2021 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

2021 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Lewis

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

Lewis Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon consistently sets the bar for Napa Valley excellence. This 2021 vintage, awarded a remarkable 97 points by Jeb Dunnuck, is no exception.

Bold and opulent, this wine unfolds with layers of captivating depth. It exemplifies the signature Lewis Cellars style – powerful and concentrated, yet refined with a sophistication that lingers long after the last sip.

The story behind this extraordinary wine is as remarkable as the wine itself. Founded by former race car driver Randy Lewis and his wife Debbie, Lewis Cellars embodies the same focus, determination, and pursuit of excellence that fueled Randy’s racing career. Since 1992, they have consistently produced world-class wines, culminating in the prestigious honor of Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2016.

The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon boldly displays this unwavering commitment. Crafted from meticulously selected barrels, it showcases the very best of Napa Valley terroir. This is a wine built to captivate and enchant, a masterpiece that Jeb Dunnuck advises collectors to savor over the next two decades.

Lewis
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $189.99

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“Another ripe, powerful wine from this estate that ticks all the right boxes, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals a dense purple hue as well as sumptuous notes of blackcurrant, black cherry liqueur, spicy oak, and graphite, with a Graves-like smoky, scorched earth character. It’s full- bodied, deep, layered, incredibly concentrated, and has a blockbuster finish. Drink this awesome Cabernet over the coming two decades.”

97 Points

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

Ballentine

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Established in 1905, Ballentine Vineyards embodies the enduring legacy of Napa Valley winemaking. For over a century, the Ballentine family has nurtured this tradition, with Frank Ballentine, the fourth generation, now at the helm. Guided by the seasoned expertise of winemaker Bruce Devlin, Frank oversees every aspect of wine production, walking the historic estate vineyards and shaping the winery’s distinctive style.

Ballentine’s 75 acres of vineyards, nestled within the prestigious St. Helena and Calistoga appellations, symbolize generations of dedication. Each vine reflects a history of resilience, cultivated with a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable practices.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a culmination of this rich heritage, is crafted with meticulous care and unwavering passion. Hand-selected from the finest vineyards, the fruit is expertly blended with 12% Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, creating a seamless harmony of elegance and spice. Aged for 19 months in French oak, the wine unfolds with layers of richness, structure, and finesse, offering a sophisticated expression of Napa Valley’s timeless allure.

Ballentine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $59.99

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“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown, with 11.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 3.5% Petit Verdot in the blend, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It comes barreling out with notes of warm cassis, juicy plums, and cedar plus wafts of graphite and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is laden with classic black berry and savory flavors supported by grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a refreshing herbal lift.”

93 Points

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCalistogaKevin VogtNapaOak KnollProprietary RedSaint HelenaUSA

Steps

Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

The 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select embodies the exceptional artistry of Grant Long, Jr., a renowned winemaker celebrated for his work at Aonair, Reverie II, and James Joseph. Grant possesses a unique talent for crafting both approachable and elegant wines, transforming each barrel into a harmonious expression of texture, balance, and enduring appeal.

Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley – Saint Helena, Oak Knoll, Atlas Peak, and Calistoga – the 2022 Steps Reserve showcases a captivating interplay of lush valley floor fruit and structured mountain grapes. This meticulously crafted blend, centered around Cabernet Sauvignon and interwoven with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, exemplifies Grant’s ability to translate Napa Valley’s diverse terroir into a genuinely captivating wine.

After 18 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select unfolds with layers of rich, penetrating flavors. Polished yet vibrant, this wine promises a journey of evolution, maturing gracefully into a paragon of sophistication over time.

Steps
Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $49.99

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“The Steps 2022 Reserve Barrel Select opens with supple fruit aromas of plums and black currants, accompanied by notes of sweet spices, chocolate fudge, graphite, new leather, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is penetrating and concentrated with flavors of blackberries, black plums, allspice, gingerbread, vanilla extract, and toasted hazelnuts. The wine has a sultry structure with silky tannins that glide into a long, smooth finish like a sunset slowly fading into twilight.”

95 Points