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

Your Price: $49.99

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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

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

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

Your Price: $159.99

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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

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Collection 1933

Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

Collection 1933 2019 Pauillac arrests the senses with its extraordinary power, captivating complexity, and precise character. Each sip reflects its origins in Pauillac, one of Bordeaux’s most revered regions. This illustrious terroir is home to three of the five First Growths from the historic 1855 Classification: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. For centuries, these estates have set the standard for Bordeaux, producing wines that define the essence of terroir-driven finesse.

Collection 1933 offers a unique and compelling perspective on Pauillac. Its story is not one of grandeur but of collaboration. In 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, local growers in Pauillac united to form the first cooperative in Aquitaine. Their visionary goal was to create a platform for smaller growers to showcase their terroir, allowing their wines to express the soul of Pauillac. The SCV Collection 1933 Grand Vin de Pauillac honors this spirit, a contemporary homage to those pioneers who dared to dream.

This stunning 96-point Bordeaux unfolds layer by layer, revealing rich blackberry, dark chocolate, and finely structured tannins, culminating in a long, harmonious finish. This vintage is a heartfelt tribute to Pauillac’s resilience and the enduring power of its legendary terroir.

Collection 1933
Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

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“A very enticing nose of coffee, cedar, cloves, and powerful black fruit. The palate further displays rich, dense black fruits, with gorgeous depth and sweetness, that lingers with vanilla oak. Lovely complexity, good aging potential, and long finish.”

96 Points

2019 Enzo Bianchi Gran Corte Mendoza Argnetina

2019 Enzo Bianchi Gran Corte Mendoza Argnetina

with No Comment $40-$50ArgentinaKevin VogtProprietary Red

Enzo Bianchi

Gran Corte 2019
Mendoza, Argentina

2019 Enzo Bianchi Gran Corte Mendoza Argnetina

Deep in the heart of Mendoza’s storied wine country, Bodegas Bianchi stands as a testament to Argentina’s rich viticultural heritage. Founded in 1928 by the visionary Valentin Bianchi, this winery was born from a dream. His love for wine ignited a passion that led him to plant prized vines in the rugged, high-altitude landscapes of the Andes. Here, under the intense Andean sun, the vines flourished in rocky soils and pure mountain water, giving birth to wines of extraordinary character and depth.

The 2019 Enzo Bianchi Gran Corte honors Valentin’s son, Enzo, a pioneer who dedicated over half a century to crafting wines that balanced tradition with innovation. Enzo’s influence shaped the winery, elevating Argentine wine to new heights through his masterful blending and refinement of grapes.

This bold, expressive blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot captures the essence of San Rafael’s distinctive terroir. The 2019 vintage offers layers of dark fruit, velvety tannins, and subtle spice notes, a harmonious reflection of Mendoza’s diverse vineyards.

Enzo Bianchi
Gran Corte 2019
Mendoza, Argentina
Retails at: $70

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“The 2019 Gran Corte Enzo Bianchi is a blend of 41% Malbec, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot from Las Paredes aged in 40% new French barrels. This vintage marks the wine’s 25th anniversary. Dark purple in hue. The complex nose presents balsamic notes of thyme and oregano with hints of dark and red fruit in which the plum sets the tone supported by hints of blackcurrant. The 2019 is relaxed on the palate with fairly grippy tannins and a juicy core that sustains volume while keeping the flow nimble. This is a rewarding wine with a long-lasting finish. Drink 2024 – 2034”

94 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

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

with No Comment $100 and overBrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Luce

Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino 2018

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino became Italy’s inaugural wine to receive the prestigious DOCG designation, solidifying its position as the crown jewel of Montalcino’s winemaking tradition. Nestled within Tuscany’s rolling hills, this enchanting village, where vineyards intertwine with ancient olive groves, boasts a unique microclimate that nurtures exceptional viticulture. Montalcino’s harmonious blend of landscape and heritage yields some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

At Tenuta Luce, each facet of the winemaking process is approached with profound respect for the land, the vineyards, and the artisans who bring it to life. The 2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino embodies this dedication. Blessed by a temperate summer devoid of excessive rain or scorching heat, the grapes achieved optimal phenolic ripeness, developing layers of complexity. Following fermentation in cement tanks, the wine matured in Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in a luxuriously smooth red that encapsulates the richness and elegance of Montalcino.

Luce’s 2018 vintage offers a bold and captivating expression of the year, characterized by its “beautiful texture and balance,” as commended by James Suckling, a renowned Italian wine critic.

Luce
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino 2018
Retails at: $150

Your Price: $110

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“A finely structured and focused Brunello with a complex array of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, licorice and hints of praline. Iodine and oyster shells, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Beautiful texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. Try in 2025.”

96 Points

2019 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2019 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRutherfordUSA

CROZE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Croze Fine Wines produced its first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1998, built on a philosophy of elegance and balance, and 2019 marks its 20th year of production. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon combines grapes from Rutherford, Howell Mountain, and Oakville AVAs, including Oakville’s Money Ranch Road Vineyard, which became famous when it was the source of Napa’s first 100 Point wine.
 
Croze’s winemaker, Daniel Benton, intimately understands the vineyards he works with and elevates each plot’s finest attributes in his wines. The 2019 vintage matured for 28 months in French oak barrels, and while approachable and drinkable now, this wine has a structure worthy of additional aging in the cellar.
 
CROZE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
“The 2019 Croze Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a rich nose of sweet blackberries, milk chocolate, vibrant black currants, Spring violets, and vanilla bean. The penetrating palate follows by balancing richness and freshness with power and elegance, expressing these traits with concentrated red currants, ripe cassis, and nicely structured fine-grained fruit tannins. The lingering, rich flavors and mouth-quenching acidity carry these characteristics through to a long, fulfilling finish. This one keeps calling me back for more…”
94 Points
2019 Janzen Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Janzen Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

JANZEN

BECKSTOFFER TO-KALON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019

2019 Janzen Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon
The renowned Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, initially planted by Hamilton Crabb in 1868, is widely regarded as a Napa Valley First Growth. With a rich heritage of producing exceptional wines that consistently receive high scores, its fruit draws some of Napa Valley’s most distinguished winemakers. Kirk Venge, one of Napa’s most in-demand winemakers, whom you might recognize from Eleven Eleven, Macauley, B Cellars, and Venge wines, crafted this remarkable expression. 
 
The detail-oriented viticultural team keeps the vineyard in optimum health, ensuring the vines grow deep into the well-drained soils in search of nutrients that aid in the fruit’s distinguished flavors and robust structure. Janzen’s 2019 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon unabashedly displays the signature characteristics that have made the legendary piece of land incredibly valuable.
 
JANZEN
BECKSTOFFER TO-KALON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019
 
 
 
“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes from one of the greatest sites in the valley and is all varietal. Its ruby/purple color is followed by a perfumed, expressive bouquet of red and black currants, flowery incense, leather, chocolate, and baking spices. It’s medium to full-bodied on the palate and nicely balanced, with velvety tannins, a round, supple mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s drinking nicely already, but I see no need to delay gratification either. Nevertheless, it should have 15 years of prime drinking.”
95 Points