{"title":"Saturday, February 20: Top Cabernet Taste Off: Cheesesteak Edition","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bergman-proprietary-red-wine-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Bergman, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eONE TO WATCH!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\u003ePioneer and adventurer Florentine Kellogg settled on the land in October of 1846. Kellogg was drawn to the site’s lush forests, abundant game, and the rugged sense of community among outdoorsmen. Upon successful completion of the ironwork for the neighboring Bale Grist Mill, Kellogg was awarded a 600-acre parcel where he planted fruit — including a 2-acre vineyard — before selling his property to the prominent Lyman family. The redwood stakes found here mark historic vines harvested in 1891 to Berger and Riesling by Mr. Lyman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter nearly a century of stewardship, the Lymans sold their property to the Heinemann family in 1970. Consistent with the spirit of the Kelloggs and Lymans, Carl Heinemann and his four young children ushered the land into a new era. Over more than a decade, the Heinemann family cleared rocky forest and oak woodland to plant to Pinot Noir and Riesling vines. The grapes were sold to Joseph Phelps, to become one of the earliest single-vineyard-designation wines in Napa Valley in the 1970s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe newest era for our land began in 2013, when the vineyard was replanted as Bergman by renowned vineyard manager, David Abreu. With exacting attention paid to soil depth and consistency, sun and shade patterns, as well as the slopes, Abreu matched varieties and rootstocks to each distinctive micro-climate to achieve consistent maturity of fruit. The vineyard is certified organic and we follow regenerative farming practices throughout each step of production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGraeme MacDonald, Nigel Kinsman, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDavid Abreu and Brett Bergman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003eOur Proprietary Red Wine is driven by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with touches of Merlot and Petit Verdot. The composition is always distinctive, but aromatic consistency transcends vintage.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, deep blue and spiced black fruits give way to layers of wild herbs and delicate floral aromas. The palate surprises with its vibrancy and firmness of structure. Cool, ripe fruit is layered with savory forest notes that come forward on the finish. Signature flavors include Wild Blueberry, Plum, Cherry, Lavender, Thyme, Rose Petal, Baking Spices, and Dry Forest Floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis 2021 Proprietary Red Wine was made at Mending Wall by Graeme MacDonald, and the élevage and bottling were done in the newly finished estate cellar by Nigel Kinsman. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot, aged for 30 months in French oak, 95% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass with fragrant notes of candied violets, lavender oil, and mint tea, leading to a core of wild blueberries and warm cassis with a touch of raspberry coulis. The full-bodied palate shimmers with black and blue fruit layers, framed by wonderfully fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and so, so perfumed. 250 cases made.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairings: Grilled Lamb, Grilled Steak, Roast Beef, Venison\u003cbr\u003eDrinking Window: 2026–2050 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSo luscious, broad and velvety, this saturated wine coats the palate with ripeness and richness on a full body. It’s the debut vintage from a new wine estate. Red and black cherries, raspberries, cocoa, vanilla bean, bay laurel and a touch of black olives. Melts in the mouth, offering such creaminess and depth on powdery, superfine tannins. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA stylish and polished wine with lifted blackberry and blueberry fruit, accented by graham cracker spice, fragrant new cedar, sage, and spearmint. Full-bodied, it showcases powerful Spring Mountain tannins that are robust and deeply embedded on the palate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe inaugural release, the 2021 Proprietary Red Wine checks in 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, all aged 30 months in 95% new French oak. This deep ruby\/plum-hued beauty offers a killer nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, new leather, graphite, and chocolate. A rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2021, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, perfectly integrated oak, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age (if not more) but is a stunningly complete, layered, impressive Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that readers will love. This is a tiny estate and there's not much wine produced, but buy it if you can find it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBottled after approximately 29 months in French oak barrels (95% new), Bergman's inaugural release—although not the first vintage made off this small Spring Mountain vineyard—is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. The 2021 Red Wine, made with the advice of consultant Nigel Kinsman, is fragrant and floral, combining hints of sage, bay and violet with strong underlying notes of black cherries. Cocoa and vanilla nuances from the oak are also present on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is dense and concentrated yet simultaneously silky and fine, with a lingering, elegant finish.\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":51475216105777,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bergman_Proprietary_Red_Wine_Napa_Valley_California_2021_ca781a4c-ab8c-403a-a0ce-cc579e011ca3.jpg?v=1749818979"},{"product_id":"precision-wine-co-method-cabernet-sauvignon-california-2023","title":"Method, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaster Sommelier Ian Cauble whose fame arose from his being featured in the documentaries \"Somm\" and \"Into The Bottle\" where his wine knowledge, focus, energy and attention to detail were exceptional, is bringing that praiseworthy intensity to producing fine wine. Teaming up with Vintner, Trevor Sheehan of Precision Wine Company, who spent nearly a decade learning from the master winemakers of Burgundy and Bordeaux before returning to craft expressive California wines, they've created Method.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIan Cauble\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNapa Valley, California \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing opulent layers of blackberry, bing cherry and juicy red fruit character that unfold with complex nuances of violet and mocha. Ample, mature tannins provide firm structure and rich texture for the mouth filling flavors. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe blackberry, dark-chocolate, walnut and blueberry aromas are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and a long and firm-tannin finish. Just the right amount of tension at the end. Shows the beauty of the 2023. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 10% petit verdot. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSometimes, a great winemaker and a Master Sommelier can create something unique. This selection does not disappoint—opulent aromas of blackberry, cassis, dried thyme, and notes of Tahitian vanilla grace the nose, trembling into rich, mouth-watering dark plum, clove, and silky tannins.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tri-Vin Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51843736305969,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Precision_Wine_Co_Method_Cabernet_Sauvignon_California_2023.jpg?v=1758134939"},{"product_id":"holocene-the-black-square-cabernet-sauvignon-wallawalla-valley-oregon-2023","title":"The Black Square, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon, 2022 (Holocene - Todd Alexander)","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\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\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e#5 - TOP 100 - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Black Square embodies elegance and grace framed by great structure, supple texture, and acidity to ensure longevity. It shows ample fruit with complex savory notes. This is not a heavy wine that is monolithic and dull—there are already plenty of those available. This wine offers a unique expression of Cabernet; it may be the most delicious wine Todd Alexander has ever crafted, venturing into new territory for Rocks District Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast - #5 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAs black as squid ink, The Black Square is balance personified. A concentrated blackberry aroma seems as dark as the wine's name, with equally dark espresso, olive and charred steak notes joining it in the abyss. A dark plum and ripe boysenberry flavor combo is accompanied by traces of salty Mission olives, wet slate and silky smooth tannins. The one bright feature illuminating the way is the wine's amped-up acidity. None so black. \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":51933928325425,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_The_Black_Square_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1760444715"},{"product_id":"castiel-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-howell-mountain-napa-valley-2023","title":"Castiel Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach vintage begins life in the vineyard where attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. Grapes are harvested by hand in several passes, resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. Arriving at the winery in the cool morning hours, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen, with intent, through optical and manual sorting processes. The wine is barrel aged in 100% French oak for 20-22 months then bottle aged 12-14 months prior to release.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainably Farmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMaayan Koschitzky\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHowell Mountain, Napa 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\u003eThe 2023 Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant powerhouse that perfectly showcases the sophistication and complexity of these two high-elevation vineyards. Upon approach, it opens with expressive dark aromatics of graphite, dark chocolate, crushed rocks, and black fruits that are seamlessly blended with pronounced classic mountain freshness, wild herb and savory complexities. On the palate, the mountain tannins are pronounced, yet they feel completely dissolved and polished giving the wine a deep, textural and incredibly concentrated mouthfeel without any hard edges or heaviness. There is a stunningly beautiful core of natural sweetness in this wine that is layered with undertones of forest floor and violets. The integration of the French oak and vibrant acidity lead to a finish that literally does not quit. The 2023 Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those rare offerings that can be enjoyed upon its initial release after a short decant or can effortlessly age for the next 30 years or more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA blend from Howell Mountain, Coombsville, and Oak Knoll, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley opens with crème de cassis, graphite, liquid lead pencil, violets, and chalky minerality. It's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe, polished tannins, integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon from sites including Red Hen in Coombsville and Howell Mountain and aged 22 months in barrels, it comes across as an incredibly complete wine with a layered mouthfeel and a seamless, balanced profile that should cruise in the cellar. Drink this pleasure-bent Napa Cabernet over the coming 30 years. Drink 2025-2055.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTalk about a polished, beautifully concentrated and profoundly structured full-bodied Cabernet from the epic 2023 vintage in Napa, crafted by Maayan Koschitzky, the Screaming Eagle alum. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4, 7, 169 and See) spent up to 22 months ageing in French oak, 60-70% of it new. The vines come from two sites: the 36-hectare Castiel Estate on Howell Mountain and Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville. Bold blackberry, black cherry and plum fruits are framed by impeccably fine French oak, which weaves an elegant framework around the ripe, expansive fruit. Contributions from the cooler Sleeping Lady site layer in fine wild herbs and dusty crushed-stone minerality, while the Howell Mountain grapes bring tannic power, muscle and dark-fruit intensity. The wine is flashy and full, yet so polished that there is an unexpected lightness and sleekness to it. You’re welcome to drink it now, but it would be best to hold until around 2027, allowing the mountain tannins to soften and the underlying earthy character to emerge in spades. What a wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54463981912369,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CastielEstate_CabernetSauvignon_HowellMountain_NapaValley2023.jpg?v=1780937230"},{"product_id":"keplinger-cabernet-sauvignon-oakville-ranch-napa-valley-2023","title":"Keplinger, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch, Napa Valley 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/zoom-into-wine-virtual-wine-tasting\/products\/a-night-with-helen-keplinger\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/As_Seen_on_Zoom_855dfb8f-bb5b-47e9-844c-1d245a0d1872_480x480.png?v=1617237202\" width=\"148\" height=\"149\" style=\"float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\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\u003eIn 2004, I moved to the Priorat region in Spain to start the winery for a group of partners who had purchased a vineyard there. Over the next three years of living there full-time and then traveling back and forth from Napa Valley, I became steeped in the culture, lifestyle, food and wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat wine is only possible from great vineyards – we select vineyards, farm grapes, and make wine by this mantra. At our core, we are wine lovers, and we thoroughly enjoy the process of seeking out exceptional vineyards ideal for a specific varietal, and farming for the highest quality. We sweat the details with pleasure – focusing on small quantities made from small wine lots, respecting and responding to the uniqueness of each site and year. Working hard but with finesse, we believe in gentle winemaking to create wines of balance and complexity that are true to their varietal and speak of their terroir and provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2014, we began working with the gorgeous mountain fruit of Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which is high up on the Vaca range above Dalla Valle, tucked just below the southern edge of Pritchard Hill. Farmed organically with great heart and attention to every leaf and bug by the brilliant Phil Coturri, the soils are comprised of gorgeous Aiken and Hambright series red volcanics and the hills, swails, and aspects mean many little microclimates for layers and complexity. We coax fine texture from the tannin-building rocky soils, which also give a distinct note of minerality that is an unmistakable hallmark of this vineyard. Cool air spills and drains through this geomorphic bowl of vine rows daily, retaining acidity and freshness of flavors in the berries. Phil's canopies are the perfect balance between health and stress, spread open at the top for ideal holy grail dappled light, giving greater nuance to the red fruit notes that are a signature of this sun-bathed ranch. Working with Phil and his dedicated team really feels like a true collaboration to make something special, which is essential when making world-class wines with a soul. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot. The vibrant nose sings with notes of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry, violets, raspberry flower, aromatic herbs, red licorice, pink peppercorn, darjeering tea, iron. The silky entry opens to intense flavors of red and black fruits, black tea, anise, bittersweet chocolate, and terra cotta with exotic Indian spices underpinned by powder fine, textural, mouth-coating tannins through to the long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/zaMDV0rc62w\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\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\u003e91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOakville Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vibrant nose sings with notes of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry, violets, raspberry flower, aromatic herbs, red licorice, pink peppercorn, darjeering tea, iron. The silky entry opens to intense flavors of red and black fruits, black tea, anise, bittersweet chocolate, and terra cotta with exotic Indian spices underpinned by powder fine, textural, mouth-coating tannins through to the long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUltra-classic Saint-Julien-like notes of cassis, freshly sharpened pencil, spring flowers, truffle, and violets all shine in the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which comes from three blocks on red volcanic soils on the east side of Oakville and is based on 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged 22 months in French oak with 85% new barrels, it's full-bodied and delivers a concentrated, pure, layered mouthfeel with building tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. I love everything about this wine, and it reminds me of the 2009 Ducru-Beaucaillou, one of the most consistent 100-point wines I have ever had. This will have 50 years of longevity. Drink 2029-2075.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis shows a lovely savory undertone, with aromas of black currants, olive tapenade, cassia bark and dried flowers. The palate is fine, tightly wound and built for a long life ahead. The level of polish and sophistication is excellent. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\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":54904327274801,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Keplinger_CabernetSauvignon_OakvilleRanch_NapaValley2023_6455b434-8ce7-4ccc-87a1-fc662c052689.jpg?v=1786531814"},{"product_id":"no-brainer-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-2023","title":"No Brainer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/span\u003e                                                                     \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAnna's journey began at the University of California Davis, where she earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. She spent her fourth year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After completing her degree in  California, she returned to France to work the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval-Blanc. She was very fortunate to work for their technical director, Kees Van Leeuwen, one of the foremost viticultural professors in Bordeaux.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAnna then moved to the Napa Valley and spent two years as the assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard before working for five years as the assistant winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard under the tutelage of philippe melka. In 2007, Anna became the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley, where she crafts single-vineyard designate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines and where she makes her Ilaria wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna and her husband, winemaker Mario Monticelli, make the Stack House, Tether, Brioche and No Brainer wines in Napa Valley. They also have Italian winemaking projects in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo. and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and French winemaking projects in Champagne and The Phone Valley. They travel to Europe with their three children to work on their wines there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaking is a family affair in the Monticelli home. Mario, was born into a family whose roots as winemakers span four generations. His father emigrated from Italy to California where he worked for over 50 years making wine for Gallo. He introduced Mario to the family business when Mario was a child, instilling in him a passion for cultivating grapes and making wine that defines his life today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMario earned degrees in Viticulture, Enology and Italian at the University of California Davis. He honed his craft working a harvest in Tuscany at Villa Antinori, then spent four years working as the assistant winemaker for renown consultant Philippe Melka for numerous Napa Valley producers. He then spent three years as the winemaker for Quixote Winery and thirteen years as the winemaker for Trinchero Napa Valley before becoming a consultant winemaker and focusing on his own projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAnna and Mario Monticelli - In Vino Felicitas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec\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\u003eThe 2023 No Brainer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon effortlessly dances out of the glass with vibrant aromas of blackberry, black currant and ripe cherries. Complex layers of crushed rocks, toasted oak, and a touch of spice frame the fruit core. Aromas of graphite and forest floor continue to unfold as the wine opens. The palate showcases a beautiful texture and integrated velvety soft tannins, culminating in a long-lasting mouth-coating finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - The Wine Palate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 No Brainer Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. Deep purple-black colored, it pops from the glass with vibrant notes of blueberries, boysenberries, and cassis, followed by hints of menthol and chocolate box. The full-bodied palate is soft-textured and vibrant with a lively line and loads of blue fruit on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Ian Blackburn (AKA Teeth)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDelicious!  A No Brainer indeed.  Great color, concentration, and at this price - surprising complexity!  I would not hesitate to jump on a bottle of this while it is available.  \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":56980798996785,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/NoBrainer_CabernetSauvignon_NapaValley_2023.jpg?v=1792354476"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/saturday-february-20-top-cabernet-taste-off-cheesesteak-edition.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}