2021 Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain

2021 Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

Barnett Vineyards

Rattlesnake 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Mountain

2021 Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain

A former number one wine-of-the-year on our top five list, Barnett’s Rattlesnake Hill Cabernet Sauvignon traces its illustrious journey back to 1991, when its debut vintage earned a heartfelt, handwritten letter from Robert Parker. Parker, compelled to write only for the third time in his career, enclosed a personal check for two cases for his cellar, an unprecedented gesture that signaled a bright future for this wine.

Perched on a rugged knoll at 2,050 feet, this Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the most cherished parcel of Barnett’s Spring Mountain estate. Each bottle tells the story of an intense selection process, as winemaker David Tate meticulously chooses only the finest barrels from their estate fruit to craft a wine that is, above all, a celebration of purity and intensity.

The Barnett team’s dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and close attention to every production detail has anchored them as a true icon of Spring Mountain for over three decades. This Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their work, a testament to their vision and a showcase of their expertise on every level.

Barnett Vineyards
Rattlesnake 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Mountain
Retails at: $250

Your Price: $225

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“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon erupts from the glass with powerful notes of creme de cassis, blackberry preserves, and plum pudding giving way to wafts of lavender oil, crushed rocks, Chinese five spice, and tar. The full-bodied palate is jam packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice flavors, framed by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and opulent.”

96+ Points

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

Dolum Estates

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #28, Napa Valley 2021

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

Dolum Estates’ founders are driven by a passion for crafting wines of distinct character and refined elegance, each bottle a testament to its origin. The 2021 Cask #28 Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from the prestigious Stags Leap District, is born of a boutique vineyard just south of the Yountville crossroads. This wine encapsulates the district’s essence, offering rich, concentrated fruit, intricate layers of flavor, and a refreshing acidity that lingers on the palate.

With his deep-rooted soil science expertise and decades of experience at renowned wineries like Hess Collection and Robert Craig, Winemaker Chad Alexander brings a masterful touch to Dolum Estates. His commitment to terroir-driven winemaking shines through in Cask #28, creating a wine of impressive depth and complexity with balance and grace.

The unique terroir of the Stags Leap District, shaped by the radiant heat of rocky cliffs and tempered by cool southern breezes, yields exceptionally intense Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Normally priced at $120 and acclaimed by critics, this remarkable wine is now available to you for just $50.

Dolum Estates
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #28, Napa Valley 2021
Retails at: $120

Your Price: $49.99

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“Refined nose with wild berries, currants, dried herbs, pencil lead and some tar. Medium to full body with finely grained tannins. Poised with a delicate texture at the center. Juicy blue and dark berries with a flavorful, vivid finish full of spices and herbs. Better after 2025.”

94 Points

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

Mastery

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Mastery’s 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking expression of one of Napa’s most celebrated vintages. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this release captures the essence of a vintage renowned for its “fresh, vibrant, and powerfully fruited wines showing precision, floral lift and a sense of place,” as praised by Wine Spectator.

Winemaker Rudy Zuidema’s cumulative knowledge over the past 30 years is commanding in this bold Cabernet Sauvignon, which beautifully articulates the terroir of Rapp Ranch and Shadybrook Estate Vineyards in Coombsville. His intimate understanding of Coombsville terroir is on full display, crafting a wine that harmonizes power with nuance, allowing the land’s identity to come alive in the glass.

Forged from Coombsville’s volcanic soils, the 2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates its origins, offering concentrated flavors and refined complexity. With only two barrels produced, this limited release reflects the pinnacle of varietal purity and balance. At $95, Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t get any better!

Mastery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $95

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“The Mastery 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with alluring aromas of freshly baked Marionberry pie, blueberries, black plums espresso with frothy milk, and crushed volcanic rock. The wine expands on the palate, adding to the aromas and flavors of blackberries, cassis, baking spices, and warm gingerbread on a Christmas morning while sitting in front of the crackling fireplace. This wine is powerful and has a strong backbone of structural tannins and acidity that will provide years of longevity.”

96 Points

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Zialena

Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

Zialena has quickly become one of this year’s greatest discoveries for high-quality, affordable Cabernet Sauvignon. I vividly remember my first taste—it had outshone several $100+ Napa Cabs during our tasting. The winery is an exciting venture led by Lisa and Mark Mazzoni, fourth-generation growers dedicated to sustainable farming. For years, their family vineyard has provided fruit to renowned wineries like Ridge and Jordan, but now it’s their time to showcase the exceptional quality of their grapes.

Zialena is more than a winery; it’s a legacy built on generations of expertise. Mark, a skilled viticulturist who sharpened his craft at elite sites like Bacchus and Vino Farms, brings a deep understanding of grape cultivation. His winemaking prowess was further refined under the guidance of Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29, blending tradition with innovation.

Their commitment to sustainable farming honors the land that nurtures their vines. Located on a historic 120-acre estate in Alexander Valley, Zialena thrives in an extraordinary terroir, with diverse soil types, microclimates, and elevations shaping the unique character of their wines. At an exceptional value of $36, this is a must-have for Cab-lovers.

Zialena
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $36

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“The stunning Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 offers a captivating nose of rich black plums bursting alongside wild blueberries and hints of candied cherries. Delicate floral notes of sweet violets emerge, followed by aromas of crushed wet granite that adds complexity. The palate explodes with cascading layers of bright red currants, juicy brambly marionberry, and muddled mixed berries. The rich, concentrated fruits are beautifully balanced by a lively acidity, creating a genuinely harmonious drinking experience. At a surprising value, this Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptionally satisfying choice for any Cabernet lover. This is a remarkable wine!”

95 Points

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCoombsvilleKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

Pass Wines

Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

With a mere 96 cases produced, the 2019 Pass Wines Coombsville Merlot epitomizes the boutique spirit of Napa Valley. Each bottle reflects the meticulous craft of Ryan Pass, a UC Davis graduate who began his journey at Farella Vineyards in 2015. Under the mentorship of esteemed vintner Tom Farella, Ryan’s promotion to Winemaker in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in his career, where he gained invaluable insight from a master of the trade. His wines carry the legacy of that tutelage, emphasizing precision, artistry, and passion.

Vineyard partnerships are central to Ryan’s approach, where the terroir becomes the canvas for his creativity. He sourced from two distinct Coombsville vineyards for this Merlot, carefully selected to harmonize minerality, fruit, and spice. The result is a wine of profound elegance and sophistication, gently aged in neutral oak to retain its vibrant freshness.

This Merlot embodies not just the essence of Coombsville but also Ryan’s commitment to producing wines deeply connected to land and craft.

Pass Wines
Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley
Retails at: $36

Your Price: $29.99

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“The Pass Wines 2019 Coombsville Merlot begins with a cool-climate-driven fruit characteristic with red and black cherries and plums, with the AVA’s signature volcanic minerality, resembling graphite, followed with notes of savory spice and cloves. On the palate, the wine has a dusty cocoa power component, mocha, and blackberries, with underlying spice and wet stones after a summer rain. This wine has brilliant acidity that intricately balances the fruit, spice, and mineral notes with a long, pleasant finish.”

96 Points

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

Bevan’s Ontogeny is swiftly becoming a paragon of exceptional Napa Valley wine. Just last year, the 2021 vintage claimed the top spot on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 10 Napa Bordeaux Blends Under $125 list, following a similar accolade for the 2019 vintage, which was #1 in Dunnuck’s Top Ten Values for Valley Cabernet. The takeaway? You’ll want to secure the 2022 vintage before more scores come out, as it’s poised to continue this remarkable trend.

The 2022 Ontogeny draws its strength primarily from the esteemed Tench Vineyard across from Screaming Eagle in Oakville. Russell crafts a single-vineyard Cabernet from Tench that retails for over $200, but Ontogeny, as the most accessible of his flagship reds, offers an unparalleled entry into the Bevan experience. Despite being the least expensive Red in his portfolio, it’s a wine that never compromises on the depth, power, and intensity that have become Bevan’s trademark.

Russell Bevan, alongside his partner Victoria De Crescenzo, launched Bevan Cellars in 2005, seizing the opportunity to create wines that stunned the Napa Valley scene. Under Russell’s visionary leadership, Bevan Cellars has consistently delivered extraordinary wines. The 2022 Ontogeny Red Blend stands out for its brilliance, cementing its place as a must-have in any serious collector’s cellar.

Bevan Cellars
Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $99.99

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“The Bevan Cellars 2022 Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Wine is rich and supple, opening with notes of violets, rocky minerality, blackberries, dark chocolate, and blueberry pie. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and penetrating with flavors of black plums, blueberries, toasted baking spices, black tea leaves, and hazelnuts. The wine evolves in the glass as it opens up and its long lingering finish is complex and warms the soul.”

95 Points

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Illumination

Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

Quintessa, a renowned Rutherford producer, extends its meticulous craftsmanship to Sauvignon Blanc, crafting Illumination, a wine as exquisite as its flagship red. This luminous expression bursts with vibrant notes of passionfruit, white peach, orange blossom, and zesty tangerine, creating a captivating bouquet.

Rooted in a deep commitment to the environment, Quintessa selected specific blocks to cultivate thriving clonal varieties, capturing the essence of Napa and Sonoma’s diverse terroir. With the same precision that defines their renowned reds, Illumination is crafted from vines planted in 2002, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional character and depth.

The 2023 vintage marks a stellar year in Napa Valley. Abundant winter rains and moderate temperatures fostered an ideal growing season, culminating in the 2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional wine showcases Napa’s elegance and vitality, making it a true showstopper.

Illumination
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

Your Price: $59.99

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“The Illumination 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to offer a balanced, vibrant bouquet of citrus and floral notes, including orange blossom, acacia, followed by a burst of lime zest, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a touch of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The acidity is well-balanced, leading to a lingering finish that reveals subtle notes of peaches and cream, and a delicate pastry dough character.”

95 Points

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Caymus

Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

Founded in 1971 by the visionary Wagner family, Caymus Vineyards has become an iconic name in Napa Valley winemaking. Their inaugural vintage in 1972, born from 55 acres of carefully tended vines, set the stage for a legacy of excellence that continues today.

Under the stewardship of the Wagner family’s second and third generations, Caymus Vineyards remains committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a milestone marking the winery’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to this enduring passion.

This exceptional vintage was shaped by a season of challenging conditions characterized by low crop yields and minimal irrigation. These factors allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and aromas, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and complexity.

Harvested at their peak ripeness, the 2022 release delivers the signature richness that defines the Caymus style. Full-bodied and bold, it stands as a tribute to half a century of dedication, and the Wagner family’s enduring love for the art of winemaking.

Caymus
Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $110

Your Price: $89.99

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“A creamy, forward style, with a core of warmed raspberry and boysenberry preserves infused liberally with mocha and melted licorice. Shows a late flicker of chaparral. This is meant for near-term hedonism. Drink now through 2034.”

91 Points

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Krupp Brothers

Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

In the mid-1990s, the Krupp brothers were captivated by a rugged 750-acre parcel atop Atlas Peak. Despite its formidable challenges—water scarcity, isolation, and volcanic, rocky terrain—the brothers were determined to cultivate a vineyard. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate an underground water source, they succeeded with the unconventional aid of a water witch.

The Stagecoach Vineyard, a testament to the Krupps’ perseverance and vision, has become one of Napa Valley’s most iconic properties. It produces bold, penetrating wines with extraordinary structure. The Wheelman, a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its exceptional quality, robustness, and volcanic minerality. Aged 22 months in 70% new French oak, the 2021 release is approachable now but promises to evolve gracefully for years to come.

Embrace the legacy of the Stagecoach Vineyard by experiencing the extraordinary Wheelman Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krupp Brothers
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $99.99

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“The Krupps Brothers The Wheelman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is loaded with enticing dark fruit and spice, delivering a complex and elegant experience. The nose is initially brooding, revealing rich notes of black plums, ripe Bing cherries, and a touch of chocolate-covered espresso beans. Indian spices and a subtle hint of fresh lavender add complexity, while rocky mineral nuances provide an earthy element. The wine is supple and silky on the palate, with a concentrated yet elegant structure. Pure and linear, the distinctive flavors of sweet red and black berries and vanilla spice dance across the tongue, creating a vibrant, complex tapestry. The finish is lingering, leaving a lasting impression of the wine’s great depth and character. Drink or cellar until 2036.”

93 Points

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

Back and better than ever before, Vista’s 2021 Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend is another paradigm-shifter for superior quality, value-priced Mountain wines. This stunner has the concentration, depth, complexity, and balance you’d expect from an exceptional $50+ Napa wine, but at $25, it’s almost unfathomable how great it is for this low price.

Harvested at 2,000 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Vista’s 2021 Reserve Blend was wrought from the rocky red Aiken soils that perfectly display the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous.

Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon at 61%, balanced with Merlot and Malbec, the 2021 vintage has the power of a thoroughbred, tamed by the skilled hand of winemaker Grant Long Jr, whom you might know from Aonair, Reverie II, Steps, and James Joseph. If you’re looking for a fabulous wine that tastes like it should be double or triple the price, look no further.

VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

Your Price: $25

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“Unparalleled in their ability to create rich, powerful, high-quality Napa Valley wines at an exceptionally low price, Vista continues to raise the bar with the release of their 2021 Reserve Atlas Peak Red Blend. This beautiful creation begins with a vibrant nose, including crushed Blackberries, blueberry cobbler, lavender, and hints of wood spice. The powerful palate continues with concentrated red currants, mixed berry compote, Bing cherries, pipe tobacco, saline minerality, and cocoa powder. The firm volcanic mountain structure beautifully balances the intense fruit with a style, grace, and energy, leading to a long finish that simply satisfies.”

95 Points