{"title":"May 16: CULT Cab","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"greer-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2018","title":"Greer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreer Vineyard is a small, three acre domaine located in the heart of the Rutherford Bench (however defined). It is part of the terroir that first made Napa Valley internationally famous, and inspired André Tchelistcheff to declare \"it takes Rutherford Dust to grow great Cabernet.\" Our illustrious next-vine and nearby neighbors, including Scarecrow (J.J. Cohn), Staglin, and Phelps (Insignia) have burnished the credibility of his proclamation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAaron Pott\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eOur inaugural wine was the 2007, an auspicious first vintage released in August, 2011. Our fruit is sourced solely from our family vineyard, which produces 100% cabernet sauvignon from 101-14 rootstock grafted with clone 4, the See clone, and the Wiemer clone. Aaron Pott is our winemaker. His broad global experience, skill, and innate talent have created wine rivaling his flamboyant predictions - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eand exceeding our unspoken hopes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate \u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreer's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon features perfumed, almost rose-like scents layered atop cherries and cassis, with a savory foundation of gently dusty earth. A blend of the tiny vineyard's three Cabernet clones (Clone 4, Wiemer, See), it's medium to full-bodied, supple, velvety and long, A lovely wine from start to finish, it's impeccably balanced, elegant and harmonious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eI was able to taste two vintages of the Greer Cabernet, both brilliant wines coming from a tiny three-acre vineyard on the Rutherford Bench. The wines have been made by Aaron Pott since 2001. Starting with the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, this beauty offers incredible purity and precision in its cassis, candied violets, green tobacco, and lead pencil-like aromatics, and it certainly wouldn't be out of place in a lineup of top First Growths from Bordeaux. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, rich mid-palate, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. This is classic 2018 in its purity, freshness, and structure. It needs 4-6 years of bottle age and will have 30 years of longevity. It will most likely merit a triple-digit rating at maturity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloral and berry aromas with fresh plums and sliced oranges. Complex fruit character. Medium to full body with tannins that spread across the palate. You know they are there, but you don’t feel the texture. Lovely, perfumed and perfectly ripe fruit character. Pure cabernet sauvignon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48398166130993,"sku":null,"price":269.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Greer_CabernetSauvignon_NapaValley_California_2018.jpg?v=1759500210"},{"product_id":"altamura-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2019","title":"Altamura, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2019","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAltamura Vineyards and Winery, established in 1985 by Frank and Karen Altamura, is the only winery in Wooden Valley located within the Napa Valley appellation.   Napa natives Frank and Karen have a decidedly hands-on approach to every step of the growing and winemaking process.  Thus, a natural production limit is established at the Altamura Ranch and the wines reflect the Altamura’s deep commitment to reflecting the terroir of Wooden Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_7 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eFrank Altamura’s lifelong pursuit as a winemaker is fueled by his passion for viticulture. Born and raised in Napa Valley, Frank began working with his cousin, a vineyard manager, right out of high school and knew that this would be his life’s calling. Formal viticultural training began at Sterling Vineyards in 1976 where he began to explore what winemakers were looking for from the vineyard. This concept was further developed from the winemaker’s perspective at Caymus with mentor Charlie Wagner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_7 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e“Growing up in Napa Valley and surrounded by farming, my most influential experience came from working at Caymus for five years where we developed many grape varieties from Burger to Zinfandel, refining the concepts of soil and climatic influences and growing for quality rather than quantity,” reminisces Frank. “As we worked to get the most from each vineyard site, I learned that it was important not to have pre-conceived ideas about what to expect from a vineyard, rather to discover the flavors that the vineyard offered. My job now as a winemaker is to successfully get those flavors into the bottle which, incidentally, is only about 10% of the whole process; the other 90% happens in the vineyard.” Over twenty years later, richly textured Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese are lauded for their intensity and silky integration of the elements unique to each the vineyard sites on the expansive Valley Oak lined ranch in Wooden Valley.\u003cspan class=\"wixGuard wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_7 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eFrank and Karen Altamura established Altamura Vineyards and Winery in 1985. Many of the early vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from a vineyard located on a sprawling 400 acre Altamura Ranch in historic Wooden Valley that had been settled by members of Karen Altamura’s family in 1855. Frank sensed the long-term potential for this growing region and began extensive site selection research within the Napa Valley to ensure optimal vineyard development on the Altamura Ranch. They began their adventure, taming what had once been a cattle ranch by clearing 65 acres and planting to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese on six different sites. Caves were dug and meticulous construction was begun on the stone winery. Lured by the natural beauty and rural atmosphere, the Altamura Family found their home in Wooden Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_7 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eFrank Altamura\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eOur hillside and valley floor estate vineyards in Wooden Valley are at elevations of 700 to 1000 feet. Soil types on the ranch which are similar to the Rutherford Bench and the mountainous regions of Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill and Mount Veeder called for several different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon on a number of different rootstocks upon planting in 1986.  The vines are dry-farmed and vertically trellised.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e​\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_7 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eFermentation of Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon occurs in both open and closed top fermenters. Certain lots are allowed to macerate on their skins for up to three weeks following fermentation.  This technique produces a wine with softer, more integrated tannins, which carry fruit and oak nuances through to the palate.  The wine is racked into 70% new French oak barrels for a period of 34 months.  The wine is lightly filtered and then bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e96 Points - The Wine \u003c\/span\u003eIndependent \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe single-varietal Altamura 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for nearly 3 years in barrel, is deep garnet-purple in color. It opens with earthy\/savory notions of tree bark, black truffle, dried herbs, and Indian spices leading to a core of stewed plums, redcurrant jelly, and boysenberries plus nuances of tobacco leaf, dried mint, and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is \u003c\/span\u003efantastically elegant and refined, with red berry sparks lifting the dense black fruits supported by plush tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and minerally. This is impressive!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49031068811569,"sku":null,"price":128.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Altamura_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California_2019.jpg?v=1755613693"},{"product_id":"from-the-sky-down-conner-lee-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon-washington-2021","title":"From the Sky Down, \"Conner Lee Vineyard,\" Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFrom the Sky Down – a collaboration with winemakers Bryan Otis (of Avallé) and Todd Alexander (Holocene \u0026amp; \u003cspan\u003eForce Majeure winemaker)\u003c\/span\u003e. It is a focused exploration of what is possible with single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Washington State’s most exceptional vineyard sites. The debut release showcases three stunning wines from the 2021 vintage, sourced from Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain, Conner Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, and Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope. These wines highlight the unique characteristics of each site, demonstrating the incredible potential of Washington’s terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConner Lee Vineyard is a highly-regarded and sustainably farmed vineyard located in the Wahluke Slope AVA of the Columbia Valley in Washington State. This historic vineyard was established in 1980 with the assistance of renowned Viticulturist Dr. Walter Clore. Sandy glacial marine sediments left by the Missoula floods comprise the soils here and it is situated at an elevation of about 1100 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBryan Otis \u0026amp; Todd Alexander\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eColumbia Valley, Washington\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Conner Lee Vineyard sports a deep ruby\/purple hue as well as a great perfume of red and blue fruits, sappy herbs, spring flowers, and a kiss of graphite. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSalty soils, ultra-refined tannins and a lengthy finish complete this beautiful wine that is drinking marvelously right now.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - International Wine Report\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eResting for 22 months in 75% new French oak barrels, the 2021 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet boasts a brooding deep purple core with a neon purple rim in the glass. Earthy on the nose, with lovely dark fruit aromas that hit hard and don’t let go, you are then greeted with secondary notes of cassis, dusty country road, powdered graphite, new leather, and dried rose petals. Milk chocolate and sweet boysenberry are presented wonderfully on the palate. Tannins are present but not overly powerful, while acidity checks in on the elevated side. I adored the wet earth and espresso bean note on the back palate on the finish of this near-perfect wine. Bravo. Only 500 cases made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Conner Lee Vineyard opens with balsamic spice and dark chocolate, giving way to mentholated herbs and dried black cherries. Seductively smooth and supple, it impresses with ripe red and blue fruits accentuated by sweet spice. Violet pastille and hints of cocoa resonate over fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length. Classically structured yet remarkably fresh this possesses a seductive appeal that collectors will find hard to ignore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWith lots of varietal character, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a terrific sense of freshness and purity, it’s a seriously good Cabernet in the making that’s up with the crème de la crème.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFrom Cabernet vines planted in the Wahluke Slope site in the late 1980s, this vineyard has come to be known as one of Washington's finest. Likely a clone 8 Cabernet selection, winemaker Todd Alexander uses 70% new oak to build the mouthfeel of this wine. It's a wonderful Cabernet, generously aromatic with notes of violets, crushed pencil lead and fresh red berries. It offers an undeniable elegance. The palate clings to a savoury core of bay leaf and dried lavender with showy red fruits, hints of bright blood orange, and exotic spices. Delicious and layered. From the Sky Down is a collaboration between winemaker Todd Alexander and Bryan Otis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe exciting new joint venture between Matthews owner Bryan Otis and winemaker extraordinaire Todd Alexander is off to a banging start. The aromas of seared steak and boysenberry compote are joined by wisps of espresso and thyme. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity support flavors of black cherry, orange zest and cedar. Enjoy this seamless beauty from now to 2039.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe inaugural vintage of this wine shows aromas of black raspberries, mulberries, tea leaves and black olives. It’s full-bodied but elegant, with fine-grained tannins. Mineral undertone. Some fruit from 1989 cabernet sauvignon vines. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50995930792241,"sku":null,"price":199.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/From_the_Sky_Down_Conner_Lee_Vineyard_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Washington_2021.jpg?v=1742499812"},{"product_id":"la-pelle-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"La Pelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLa Pelle Wines was founded in 2016 by Maayan Koschitzky, Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond. With a mission to create terroir-driven wines that are the ultimate expression of the sites from which the fruit is sourced. Though the partner's backgrounds are varied: Maayan - a winemaker and farmer from Israel, Miguel - a viticulturist and winemaker from Mexico, and Pete - a vineyard manager and business owner from Northern California. All three share a connection to farming, a curiosity about the science of wine growing, and a love of Napa Valley.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith La Pelle, they are fulfilling a common desire to explore how the precise management of vines at the ground level translates into the creation of high-quality wines that exude freshness and acidity, balanced with complexity and depth. Sourced exclusively from vineyards tended to by Silverado Farming Company, which Pete founded in 2001 and Miguel joined as Partner in 2015. La Pelle controls all farming aspects and additionally provides the team access to some of the finest vines in Napa Valley. With each vintage, Maayan and Miguel confer closely throughout all phases of winegrowing: from pruning, canopy management, and timing of picks to winemaking technique, barrel selection, and aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaayan Koschitzky\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis wine is a blend of our six Bordeaux-style vineyards. We focus the fruit selection from four AVA designations in Napa Valley; Coombsville, Oak Knoll District, Oakville, and Saint Helena. The 2021 vintage is one for collectors. Before bottling, the wine aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. A classic Napa Valley concentration and density for a Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a dark tone, unlike in 2019, which was a bit softer and sweeter. 2021 is more structured, similar to 2016, with great integrated acidity reminiscent of the 2018 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromatics are expressive with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, crème de cassis, and hints of warm spices. The palate is full-bodied and juicy. Black and red fruit layered front to back with pronounced tannins and excellent acidity carrying it to a long finish. The wine is powerful yet elegant without being heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage is a harmonious representation of balance between four vineyards. All are farmed exclusively by our partners at Silverado Farming Company. We craft the wine to capture the season, and this 2021 embodies our intentions. Enjoy it now and over the next 15+ years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLa Pelle now farms six different Cabernet vineyards in Napa and their Napa Valley blend is from all six, including fruit from Combsville, Oak Knoll, Oakville, and St. Helena. They are really looking to capture each vintage with the La Pelle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2021 has a deep garnet-purple color and it springs from the glass with notes of blackcurrant pastilles, redcurrant jelly, and wild blueberries, plus suggestions of tar, black truffles, and fragrant earth, with a touch of roses. The full-bodied palate is laden with intense black fruit flavors, with loads of earthy sparks, framed by grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with wonderful purity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley includes 4% Petit Verdot and comes from a mix of vineyards in Combsville, Oak Knoll, Oakville, and St. Helena that was brought up all in barrel. It's a classic, incredibly classy 2021 exhibiting darker currant fruits, some smoky tobacco, gravelly earth, bay leaf, and espresso nuances, medium-bodied richness, good acidity, and a great finish. It's a smoking value in impeccably made Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that readers should snatch up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51419417248049,"sku":null,"price":84.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/La_Pelle_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California_2021.jpg?v=1748460071"},{"product_id":"venge-vineyards-silencieux-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2023","title":"Venge Vineyards, 'Silencieux' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2023","description":"\u003cp class=\"Polaris-Header-Title\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Venge (ven-ghee) family has farmed vitis vinifera varieties in Napa Valley for nearly half a century. It is a journey that began when Knud Venge emigrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900’s. Knud's son, Per Venge, found his passion in the wine and spirits industry and started Vencom Imports, focusing on the importation of Western European fine wines and spirits. It was Per's son, Nils Venge, who left the family business in the 1960's with a vision to study viticulture at UC Davis and establish the family name as an icon in the winegrowing community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe family's viticultural roots flourished in 1976 with the purchase of a 17-acre vineyard in the Oakville District that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This fortunate development cast the family among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNils' and Dianna Venge's son, Kirk Venge, gravitated to winemaking at an early age. He proved to be as talented a winemaker as his father, making wines in his own style, with a vision to build on the family legacy. In 2008, Kirk achieved his lifelong dream and acquired full ownership of Venge Vineyards. Today, Kirk continues the Napa Valley heritage, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of bearing the Venge family name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKirk Venge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmore2\" hidden=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pulido~Walker Mt. Veeder Estate Vineyard is meticulously planted, drawing on several years of data collection prior to putting a single vine or rootstock in the ground. It has been quite the voyage of discovery shepherding this wine from the initial planting of clones 15, 30, 169, and 685 to the release of this inaugural vintage. We decided to harvest by clone and ferment the four wine lots individually. It was unanimous: the lots from clones 15 and 685 were standouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Pulido and Donna Walker are immensely gratified that right out of the gate, this Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is every inch the thoroughbred, easily rivaling the wine from its sister vineyard on Pritchard Hill and a welcomed companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWonderfully aromatic and expressive, this wine opens with scents of sweet cassis, anise, blackberries, roasted coffee, blue herbs and barrel vanillin. On the palate, the tannins are firm, upfront and balanced throughout, with all pockets of the mouth left yearning for another sip. Full-bodied and extracted with ripe black fruit, blueberries, charred caramel and a delightful hint of fresh herbs that concentrate into a lengthy finish. This wine is approachable upon release and cellar worthy in proper aging conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - The Wine Palate (2022 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2022 Silencieux Cabernet Sauvignon is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Aged in French oak, 50% new, for 22 months, it is deep garnet-purple colored. Black cherries, warm cassis, and dried mulberries scents charge out of the glass, followed by hints of black pepper and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is rich and expressive with velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering cinnamon note. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51814585532721,"sku":null,"price":65.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Venge_Vineyards_Silencieux_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California_2023.jpg?v=1757356681"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/may-16-cult-cab.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}