Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

The Secret Ingredient Is Dirt — Brendel’s Multi-Vineyard Napa Cabernet

Brendel sources from some of Napa Valley’s most coveted sites — the eastern side of Rutherford, the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse plots in St. Helena, and a steep parcel in Oak Knoll. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts with great dirt. The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, vibrant expression of Napa’s famed grape — harvested under moonlight, fermented cool, and aged 9 months in upright oak casks to preserve bright red and black fruit character.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made by the Heitz team led by winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel's 2021 Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon now includes a sufficient amount of Sonoma fruit to carry a North Coast AVA on the label—this vintage is approximately two-thirds Napa and one-third Sonoma, and the blend includes 5% Petite Sirah and 1% Merlot. Still made in old oak vats to avoid overt wood influence and just medium-bodied, it's something of a throwback stylistically. Although the fruit is quite obvious upfront, combining black cherries and blackberries, the wine is streamlined and somewhat restrained on the palate, finishing with ample length, hints of star anise and a silky texture. (Vintage 2021). 

As Featured In

San Francisco Chronicle — “Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.”

Winemaker Notes

Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper’s Reed Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Harvested under moonlight and crushed at cool temperatures, this Cab is thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After 7–10 days, it’s gently pressed to upright oak casks for 9 months of maturation. Fruit sourced from prized Napa and Sonoma vineyards delivers mouthwatering structure with bright red and black fruit throughout.

— Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Key Sites: Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oak Knoll
• Producer: Brendel
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural Napa Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged gouda, and hearty pasta.

Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown — Napa Valley 2023

Silverado Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates — founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller and her mother, Lillian Disney, on historic vineyard sites in the Stags Leap District that had been planted to Cabernet as far back as the 1960s. For years, the family sold their fruit to neighboring wineries building global reputations for excellence. Then they decided it was time to make their own wines — their own expressions of the Napa Valley they loved. Today, under the ownership of Foley Family Wines and the leadership of Courtney Foley, Silverado continues that legacy with over 300 acres planted across some of Napa’s most celebrated AVAs: Stags Leap District, Yountville, Coombsville, Carneros, and Napa Valley proper. The Estate Grown Cabernet is their benchmark expression — a wine that has earned over 40 scores of 90 points or higher from the world’s top critics. The 2023 earned 93 points from Wine Spectator.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is soft and supple: black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri, and graphite — classic Stags Leap District aromatics with elegance and precision. On the palate, it is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, polished finish. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, adding complexity and structure. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Spectator — 93 Points — “Soft and supple aromas of black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri and graphite. The palate is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity and a long finish. A lovely blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Silverado Vineyards, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Designation: Estate Grown, Produced & Bottled
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, textural, estate-driven Napa Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, dark chocolate, black olive, graphite, potpourri, bright acidity, long finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

Four decades of Napa excellence — Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown 2023 is Stags Leap District Cabernet at its most refined.

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

Single-Vineyard Napa Perfection — Nickel & Nickel State Ranch

Nickel & Nickel is Napa Valley's preeminent single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon producer, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines that express the unique character of individual estate vineyards. State Ranch is their Yountville expression — a site that delivers a distinctive combination of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from other Napa appellations. At $110, this is a serious collector's Cabernet that rewards both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.

Winemaker Notes

Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry, and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from entry to the long, silky finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: State Ranch (single-vineyard)
• Producer: Nickel & Nickel
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the fine dining table — exceptional with dry-aged ribeye, lamb rack with herbs, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Turnbull Wine Cellars | Napa Valley, California | 2023

Forty years of estate farming distilled into a single bottle. Turnbull's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is grown, harvested, and crafted entirely on their own land — a commitment to the long view that shows in every sip. The 2023 vintage arrives with deep purple hues and a nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and violets. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied with layered texture, focused structure, and fine tannins that promise a decade or more of graceful aging.

This is estate Napa Cabernet at a remarkable value — a crowd-pleaser with the bones to cellar.

Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Drink: 2025–2038

Tasting Notes

• Crème de cassis, graphite, crushed stone, violets
• Dark plums, blackberries, black currants, cedar, tobacco
• Succulent red cherry, cinnamon, new leather, mocha
• Medium to full body | Fine, layered tannins | Balanced acidity

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• 93 pts — Jeb Dunnuck: "Beautifully pure aromatics... layered, fresh, focused mouthfeel... enough tannins to keep it drinking nicely for 10–15 years." Drink 2025–2038.
• 92 pts — James Suckling: "Full-bodied with fine tannins and balanced acidity... textural and fresh. Drink or hold."
• 91 pts — Vinous: "Positively stellar... a stellar value and a crowd-pleaser."

Turnbull. Stay true.

Organic & Vegan Chilean Cabernet at an Exceptional Value

Veramonte is one of Chile’s leading organic producers, farming sustainably in the sun-drenched Colchagua Valley — one of South America’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon appellations. Their 2022 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is certified organic and vegan-friendly, delivering classic Chilean Cab character at an outstanding everyday price point: ripe black fruit, cassis, leather, vanilla, and a long velvety finish.

Winemaker Notes

Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2022 750ml

Aromas of ripe black fruit, leather, and vanilla are complemented by cassis flavors and hints of spice, with a long, velvety finish. Classic Colchagua Cabernet — rich, smooth, and built for the table.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Producer: Veramonte
• Vintage: 2022
• Certified: Organic, Vegan
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — excellent with grilled meats, burgers, pasta with red sauce, hard cheeses, and casual weeknight dinners.

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates — a winery with roots stretching back to 1886 and a reputation built on classic, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kristy Melton sources from a diverse portfolio of estate vineyards and carefully selected purchased fruit across multiple Napa appellations and elevations — including the legendary Bosché Vineyard, Orchard Vineyard, Red Hen Vineyard, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, and Atalon — to craft a wine that is classic, balanced, and genuinely complex. The 2022 vintage produced approximately 11,000 cases, with a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, aged 20 months in French oak with 47% new barrels. Harvest ran from August 13th through October 14th, 2022. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.66.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is classic and inviting: dark chocolate, black forest fruits, oak spices, leather, and cedar, with bright aromas of ripe cherries and sunny strawberries adding lift and freshness. On the palate, it is full-bodied and soft — blueberry compote, espresso, olive, dried herbs, and black pepper, with fresh red currants and light baking spices woven through a velvety, well-structured mid-palate. The tannins are integrated and approachable, making it enjoyable now while remaining capable of cellaring well for years to come.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter — 92 Points (Jonathan Cristaldi, Jul 2025)

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Bright aromas, ripe flavors, a full body but rather light tannins give this wine an easy drinkability. Red cherries and sunny strawberries on the nose, then a palate of good acidity with fresh red currants and light baking spices. Drink or hold.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Cedar and mocha shadings accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft and velvety. Forward and probably not meant for the cellar, this is still a tasty wine, with just a hint of dried fruit on the finish.”

• Producer: Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Vineyards: Bosché, Orchard, Red Hen, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, Atalon
• Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
• Aging: 20 months in French oak, 47% new
• Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.66
• Production: ~11,000 cases
• Style: Classic, balanced, multi-vineyard Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, black forest fruit, cedar, blueberry compote, espresso, red currant, integrated tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, wild mushrooms, aged hard cheeses

One of Napa’s most storied addresses — Freemark Abbey 2022 is classic, balanced, and built for the table.

Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Rouge Organic — Bordeaux 2022

Les Hauts de Lagarde is a certified organic estate in the heart of Bordeaux, producing wines that honor the region's classic character through sustainable viticulture. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and balance — and this Bordeaux Rouge is the estate's most compelling expression yet. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it earned 90 points from James Suckling, who praised its "velvety texture and core of succulent fruit." At this price, it is one of the most exciting organic values in all of Bordeaux.

The nose opens with generous aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries, warm spices, chocolate, and walnuts. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with a round, velvety texture, a succulent dark fruit core, and a soft, smooth finish. The structure is elegant — ripe tannins with just enough grip to reward short-term cellaring.

James Suckling 90 — "Chocolate, walnuts and ripe, dark-fruited character on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a velvety texture and a core of succulent fruit. The finish is soft and smooth." (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Les Hauts de Lagarde, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bordeaux Rouge AOC
• Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, blackberry, spice, chocolate, walnuts, velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Pork roasts, red meat, poultry, pasta dishes, aged cheese

A 90-point certified organic Bordeaux at an honest price — Les Hauts de Lagarde is the benchmark for what everyday Bordeaux can be.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 Points | Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential.

Decanter 96 Points | Very aromatic, gorgeous florality on the nose, so inviting and welcoming. Really open and generous - roses, violets, peonies, red cherries and strawberries. Supple and juicy, instantly quite pretty and fun, a lively bright aspect to the red fruits - cranberry, crisp green apple, raspberry and strawberry then the fine tannins come into play and give the structure and the focus to the finish. It’s a little less plush than Brane is normally - usually more gentle, fleshy and smooth - this is a little two-toned with influence from the new oak in the tightness but there’s great potential here. Feels a bit more like a St-Julien expression - calm, relaxed, smooth, intentional, juicy and lifted. Less charming right now, more tense and precise.

James Suckling 95 Points | This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional.

Jane Anson 96 | A great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, once again showing how it's done.

Winemaker Description 

Baron de Brane is the second wine of Château Brane-Cantenac, a second growth château owned by Henri Lurton and one of the oldest and largest properties in Margaux. The blend is made up of about 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the grapes coming from developing vineyards, some on gravel beds 12 metres deep.

Winemaker Description

Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

James Suckling 95 Points | Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Podere Grattamacco's Bolgheri Superiore is one of the coast's most compelling expressions — a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and Sangiovese, grown on the mineral-rich soils of the Bolgheri DOC. Deeply aromatic and structured, it opens with ripe red fruits, balsamic and Mediterranean herb notes, and a distinctive mineral thread that carries through to a long, persistent finish. Built for the cellar, yet captivating now.

Pairs beautifully with game, wild boar, roasted and braised red meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 375ml Half Bottle

Discover the rich flavors of Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021, a remarkable representation of the unique terroir of Paso Robles. This artisanal wine is crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. With its 375ml half-bottle format, it's perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points
"Dried cherry, cola and baking-spice aromas make for a clean and well integrated nose on this bottling. Ample tannins frame the ripe fruit, dried meat and graphite flavors, as acidity lingers into the finish."

Vinous - 92 Points
"Violets, lavender and rum-soaked black cherries form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Bunkhouse opens in the glass. Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout, this impresses further with its sleek red and black fruits, as fine tannins build toward the close. This leaves a peppery flourish to linger through the structured finale, as hints of tart raspberry linger."

James Suckling - 90 Points
"A well-balanced and fruity cabernet sauvignon with cherries, raspberries and cassis on the nose. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded, with a pleasant core of berries at the center and some spices in the delicious finish."

Grape Blend

Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
This classic Bordeaux-style blend showcases Cabernet Sauvignon's structure and complexity, enhanced by complementary varietals that add depth and roundness.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Inviting bouquet of violets, lavender, rum-soaked black cherries, dried cherry, cola, and baking spices. Cherries, raspberries, and cassis. Clean and well-integrated nose
Palate: Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout. Medium-bodied with sleek red and black fruits. Elegant profile rich and complex with dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. Ripe fruit, dried meat, and graphite flavors. Creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded with pleasant core of berries
Finish: Structured finale with peppery flourish. Hints of tart raspberry linger. Ample tannins frame the finish as acidity lingers. Delicious finish with spices

Paso Robles Terroir

Crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch in Paso Robles, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique terroir of Paso Robles, with its warm days and cool nights, creates optimal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

The Hearst Ranch Legacy

Hearst Ranch is not just known for its exquisite wines; it's also celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and preserving the natural landscape. The vineyard employs traditional farming methods that respect the environment while providing an exceptional product. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of the Hearst family in crafting wines that honor their heritage. By choosing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, you are tasting a legacy that spans generations and encapsulates the essence of Paso Robles.

Perfect Half Bottle Format

The 375ml half bottle is perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor. This convenient format offers several advantages:

• Perfect portion for one or two people
• Ideal for intimate dinners and small gatherings
• No leftover wine to worry about
• Great for trying new wines
• Convenient for picnics and outdoor dining
• Elegant presentation for gifting
• Perfect for weeknight enjoyment

2021 Vintage Excellence

The 2021 vintage showcases exceptional quality with multiple 90+ point scores from respected critics. This vintage represents the ideal growing conditions and expert winemaking that define Hearst Ranch's commitment to excellence.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon with food enhances its rich flavors and brings out the best in each component. This wine complements:

• Grilled lamb and hearty beef stews
• Aged cheeses
• Classic Italian pasta dishes
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Robust dishes and red meats
• Barbecue and grilled meats

Versatile for Any Occasion

Its adaptability ensures it shines whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Perfect for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, this wine delivers an experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Sustainable Winemaking

Hearst Ranch's commitment to sustainable practices and traditional farming methods that respect the environment ensures that each bottle represents not only exceptional quality but also environmental stewardship. The vineyard's dedication to preserving the natural landscape reflects in every glass.

Artisanal California Cabernet

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon represents artisanal California winemaking at its finest. With well-structured tannins providing a balanced mouthfeel that lingers on the palate, this wine showcases the quality and character that has earned it critical acclaim and made it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Biodynamic — Napa Valley 2022 Half Bottle

Grgich Hills Estate is one of Napa Valley's most storied wineries, founded by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich — the Croatian-born winemaker whose 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay famously defeated the French at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Today, the estate farms entirely biodynamically and organically, producing wines of remarkable purity and terroir expression. This 375ml half bottle of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect introduction to one of Napa's great estates — or an ideal companion for an intimate dinner.

The 2022 growing season was defined by drought and patience. Rainfall came early — in October and December of 2021 — leaving a dry spring and summer. An intense heat wave in early September pushed sugar levels dramatically, but the Grgich team waited for cooler temperatures and balanced ripeness before harvesting. The result is a wine of concentration and elegance in equal measure.

The nose is rich and captivating: dark black currant, plum, and blackberry take center stage, joined by cedar, clove, and a touch of lavender. On the palate, it is full-bodied with layered dark fruit, firm but polished tannins, and a long, structured finish that speaks to Napa's finest terroir.

Grgich Hills — Certified Biodynamic & Organic — "Farming in harmony with nature since 2000."

• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, plum, blackberry, cedar, clove, lavender, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10 years
• Best Paired With: Gorgonzola gnocchi, beef bourguignon, seared steak, ratatouille

Biodynamic Napa Cabernet from one of the valley's founding legends — Grgich Hills in a half bottle, perfect for any occasion.

Washington State's Hidden Gem — Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Powers Winery has been quietly crafting some of Washington State's most compelling value-driven Cabernets from the Columbia Valley appellation — a vast, sun-drenched plateau east of the Cascades that produces Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth and structure. The 2018 Columbia Valley Cabernet is a textbook expression of the appellation: savory, complex, and built with the kind of balanced tannins and mineral backbone that make Washington Cab such a compelling alternative to Napa at a fraction of the price.

Winemaker Notes

Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 750ml

Savory notes of fennel and sage are backed by deep aromas of mountain blackberry, black raspberry, and cassis. Woven into this complex profile are notes of wet limestone and gravel. On the palate: black raspberry and black currant, balanced by sage and anise notes. The dark fruit finish is complemented by balanced tannins, minerals, and a touch of cedar.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington State
• Producer: Powers Winery
• Vintage: 2018
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, smoked brisket, aged cheddar, mushroom ragù, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon — California NV — 1.5L Magnum

Livingston Cellars has been crafting approachable, everyday California wine for decades — and their Cabernet Sauvignon is the bottle that earns its place on the table night after night. Well-balanced, food-friendly, and built for sharing, it delivers the classic California Cabernet profile at a price that makes the Magnum format an easy decision. Two bottles in one, perfect for a dinner party, a backyard cookout, or any occasion that calls for a reliable, crowd-pleasing red.

Deep red in color with a clean, inviting nose of cassis, bright red apple, cherry, and a subtle hint of humidor. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and medium-bodied, with soft dark fruit, gentle tannins, and a smooth, easy finish. Approachable from the first pour and versatile at the table.

Classic California Cabernet Sauvignon — cassis, cherry & a hint of humidor — in a generous 1.5L Magnum format built for sharing.

• Producer: Livingston Cellars, California
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Red Wine — Medium-Bodied, Smooth & Approachable
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, bright red apple, cherry, humidor, soft tannins, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: Burgers, grilled steak, BBQ ribs, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, casual entertaining

Two bottles, one great price — Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum is the benchmark for effortless California red wine built for the table.

Chappellet Vineyard · 'Signature' Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022

Since its first vintage in 1968, Chappellet has set the standard for mountain-grown Napa Cabernet — wines of rare depth, longevity, and elegance from Pritchard Hill, one of the valley’s most celebrated and demanding terroirs. The ‘Signature’ is the estate’s benchmark bottling: a Bordeaux-style blend anchored by 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (7%), and Merlot (2%), each variety contributing its own dimension to a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. JD:93 · WA:92. At $99.99, this is Pritchard Hill Cabernet at a price that makes it one of Napa’s most compelling values at this level of pedigree — “a killer wine and great value,” as Jeb Dunnuck put it.

The 2022 opens with tons of cassis and darker, almost blue fruits, interwoven with sappy spring flowers, crushed stone, and lead pencil nuances. On the palate: balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins, bold mocha, black cherry, and a nicely concentrated mid-palate that avoids the overripeness that plagued lesser wines in this warm vintage. The finish is long and pronounced, with a lingering mocha note and supple structure. Drink now through 2035+.

“A killer wine and great value… balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points. Vintage 2022. 

“Well-priced for the quality… full-bodied and packed with flavor, nicely concentrated and framed by supple tannins.” — Wine Advocate, 92 Points. Vintage 2022. 

• Producer: Chappellet Vineyard (est. 1968)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-Region: Pritchard Hill
• Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon · 9% Petit Verdot · 7% Malbec · 2% Merlot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, blue fruit, spring flowers, crushed stone, lead pencil, mocha, black cherry, supple tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
• Food Pairings: Prime ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, aged cheddar, wild mushroom dishes

JD:93 · WA:92 — Pritchard Hill mountain Cabernet, setting the Napa standard since 1968.

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Discover the excellence of Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, one of the region's most iconic wines and one of the very finest wines ever produced at this legendary estate. The Shafer Vineyard has a legacy of excellence that began in 1972, focusing on crafting superb wines from the renowned Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. This wine showcases the estate's commitment to quality, with grapes sourced from Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, roughly 25 hectares, with very shallow volcanic tufa soils. The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker, hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Decanter - 99 Points
"Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted."

James Suckling - 99 Points
"Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 Points
"It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish."

Vinous - 99 Points
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is insanely beautiful. It's also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted here. Bright, pliant and resonant, the 2021 offers a beguiling mix of Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics, generous fruit and gentle structure. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable—the 2021 is a great example. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, menthol, pine and sweet spice build into the eternal finish."

Jeb Dunnuck - 98+ Points
"You can safely put the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select up with the top vintages of this cuvée, yet it's much more in the style of say, the 2010 or 2018, than a more opulent year, and is going to demand bottle age. Sensational amounts of cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, graphite, tobacco, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define this ultra-classic, focused, structured 2021. The purity is world class. Hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum, and it will evolve for 40+ years."

Wine Enthusiast - 97 Points
"Profound and full-bodied with an intensity of aromas and flavors, this sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Abundant, fine tannins and a lengthy finish mean the wine will continue to develop with age, but will also benefit from another several years in bottle."

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"Juicy and direct, with a solidly built core of cassis and blackberry preserves lined with cocoa, singed tobacco and warm earth hints. Best from 2025 through 2038."

Vineyard & Production

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate
Vineyard: Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, approximately 25 hectares with very shallow volcanic tufa soils in Stags Leap District
Aging: 32 months in 100% new French oak (Wine Advocate notes 28 months)
Production: Barrel selection of the very best blocks, 2,900 cases produced
Alcohol: 15.5%

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep garnet color
Aroma: Deep, intense aromas of black cherries, cassis, ripe blackberries, dried spices, heady sagebrush, conifer, white pepper, walnut husk, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, tobacco, lead pencil, blood orange, menthol, pine, sweet spice, vanilla, cedar
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and textural. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso, creme de cassis, huckleberry, salted dark chocolate, cocoa, singed tobacco, warm earth. Impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate. Refined, well-integrated tannins that practically dance across the palate. Racy acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted. Velvety, refined package with tremendous intensity
Finish: Smooth, lingering finish with tremendous length, tension, and power. Eternal finish

Stags Leap District Terroir

Quintessentially Stags Leap, with expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality. The unique terroir of this celebrated Napa Valley region imparts remarkable depth and character to the grapes. The very shallow volcanic tufa soils contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character and complexity.

Elias Fernandez - 38 Vintages of Excellence

The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker. He was hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable, with the 2021 showcasing a more focused, seamless style that represents world-class purity.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Best from 2025 through 2038 (Wine Spectator), hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum and will evolve for 40+ years (Jeb Dunnuck)
This age-worthy, collectible wine has tremendous staying power and will continue to develop beautifully with age. The wine will benefit from another several years in bottle to fully express its potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine pairs perfectly with:

• Prime rib and succulent cuts of meat
• Grilled lamb
• Rich beef stew
• Hearty dishes for dinner parties
• Special occasion dining

Collector's Wine & Investment Quality

Adding Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon to your wine collection is a decision that reflects a true appreciation for quality. This wine not only delivers on taste but also on prestige—Shafer is renowned among wine connoisseurs and collectors alike. The 2021 vintage has been exceptionally well-received with multiple 99-point scores, promising to evolve beautifully over the years if cellared properly. You can safely put the 2021 up with the top vintages of this iconic cuvée. Its balance of structure and elegance ensures that it will be a highlight on any table, elevating your collection and impressing your guests.

One of the Region's Icons

This sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Whether you're a seasoned collector or appreciating fine wine, investing in Shafer Hillside Select represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The meticulous approach in both vineyard management and winemaking ensures that every bottle reflects the hard-earned reputation and tradition of Shafer Vineyards.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Juicy ripe fruits and a blend of baking spices are carried by this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are ample and palate coating with a moderate finish. — Elaine Chukan Brown 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Winemaker Description

Enticing red plum and chocolate aromas, with soft red fruit flavors that complement hearty stews, classic pastas, and grilled red meats. Frontera is crafted by Concha y Toro, Chile's most celebrated producer, from grapes grown in the Central Valley. Approachable, fruit-forward, and perfect for everyday enjoyment — the 1.5L Magnum is ideal for gatherings and entertaining.

Food Pairings

• Grilled ribeye or burgers
• Hearty beef stew or lamb chops
• Classic pasta with tomato or meat sauce
• Aged cheddar or gouda

Winemaker Description

Chateau Greysac Médoc displays a deep purple color with a complex aromatic profile of blueberries, plum, and raspberries layered over fresh earthiness. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm tannins, notes of blackberry and licorice, and a clean, persistent finish with lingering dark fruit and earthy character.

About Chateau Greysac

Chateau Greysac is a historic Cru Bourgeois estate in the Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, situated in the commune of Bégadan in the northern Médoc. The estate has produced classic Bordeaux blends — led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — for generations, earning its Cru Bourgeois classification for consistent quality and typicity. Chateau Greysac is one of the few Bordeaux estates to produce a fully Kosher and Mevushal wine under rabbinical supervision, making it a benchmark choice for kosher Bordeaux lovers seeking genuine appellation character at an accessible price. Certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, braised short ribs, duck confit, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordeaux-style roasts. An ideal wine for holiday meals, Shabbat dinners, and special occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Chateau Greysac
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Appellation: Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Bordeaux blend)
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, structured Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep and intense ruby red. On the nose are notes of plum, currants and cherries with toasted notes from oak ageing. On the palate this wine is elegant and soft with a fresh and persistant finish. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018 

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select gives up intense cassis, stewed plums and cedar chest notes with hints of licorice and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the palate has a taut, grainy texture supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral tinged.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, spearmint, cocoa and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Supple, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Winemaker Description

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely impeccable. Best of all, it won't require years in the cellar to be enjoyable. In fact, it is quite expressive today. Juicy dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. 

Expert Review 

Vinous 96+ Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and elegant, with lovely aromatic presence and impeccable balance. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and mint all give this mid-weight Cabernet lovely complexity and nuance. The 2018 has shut down since I tasted it last year, but that is not surprising given the style here. Today, bright acids give the 2018 energy, tension and a good deal of precision. Those qualities should help the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon age well over the coming decades.  Drinking 2028 - 2058.

In the 1940s, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc cuttings on a gravelly hillside at his Tenuta San Guido estate in coastal Tuscany — an act of visionary defiance that would change Italian wine forever. The first vintage offered on the open market was 1968. By 1994, Sassicaia's reputation was so singular that it was granted its own DOC — Bolgheri Sassicaia — the only single-estate DOC in Italy. It remains the world's first and most celebrated Super Tuscan, still owned by the noble Incisa della Rocchetta family.

The Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2023 1.5L Magnum is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, aged 24 months in 40% new French oak. The 2023 vintage was shaped by a cold winter, above-average rainfall, and a severe outbreak of downy mildew that forced brutal fruit selection and a 20% reduction in yields — a vintage of pressure and sacrifice that, like the legendary 1985, produced diamonds. The result is a Sassicaia of uncanny openness and generosity in its youth: wild sage, rosemary, dark fruit, crushed stone, rose petal, pink peppercorn, bergamot, and blood orange on the nose; chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a saline coastal freshness on the palate; and a long, persistent, mineral finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect 100 points. In Magnum — the ideal format for long-term cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Advocate — 100 Points: "Very few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the 2023. Uncannily open and generous in its youth. Like the legendary 1985, 2023 was a difficult vintage shaped by a cold winter, yet it stands as proof that great pressure can indeed give birth to diamonds."
• James Suckling — 99 Points: "Very cool, complex and pretty aromas of black currants, fresh herbs, lavender and violet. Crunchy and layered fruit with polished, velvety tannins. A very clear and distinctive Sassicaia with true character of the estate."
• Decanter — 98 Points: "Takes the idea of finesse and elegance to another level. Supple, lifted and fragrant, with pure, crunchy bramble fruits, succulent mid-palate and prolonged freshness. A true-to-life model for the future of Italian reds."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 98+ Points: "Full-bodied yet remarkably lifted, moving across the palate with precision and energy. Saline, coastal freshness adds tension and length. Already compelling, with the framework to evolve gracefully over the coming decades."
• Vinous — 97 Points: "Elegant and supremely polished. Blackberry, gravel, incense and new leather. One of the wines of the vintage. I can't wait to see how the 2023 ages."

Wine Details

• 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc
• Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, Tuscany, Italy
• Aged 24 months in 40% new French oak
• Vintage: 2023 | 1.5L Magnum
• Cellar for decades — Magnum format ideal for long-term aging

Nestled in the heart of Pauillac, just north of Château Latour, Château Haut-Bages Libéral occupies one of the appellation's most privileged terroirs — a mosaic of clay-limestone and gravel soils that is atypical for Pauillac, lending the wine a distinctive freshness and minerality that sets it apart from its neighbors. Under biodynamic farming with Demeter certification, the estate has become one of the Left Bank's most compelling stories of terroir-driven winemaking.

The Château Haut-Bages Libéral Pauillac Biodynamic 2020 750ml is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, from biodynamically farmed vines on clay-limestone and gravel, with a parcel sandwiched between Pichon-Baron and Lynch-Bages. The 2020 vintage is exceptional: focused, elegant, and concentrated, with a vivid purple hue, a beautiful perfume of cassis, plum, licorice, and violets, and a palate of remarkable depth and length. Built for the cellar, yet already showing its class. Drink from 2027 through 2050.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• James Suckling — 97 Points: "Blackcurrant, orange peel and green coffee bean aromas follow through to a full body with medium, round tannins. Citrusy, juicy and rose bush finish. Chewy and intense. Some old vine character with bark and dark mushroom. Solid! One for the cellar. Try after 2027."
• Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points: "Vibrant and bright yet it is possible to sense the depth of the tannins. Its tannins underline the line of acidity and lightness that gives the wine a fine structure."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 Points: "Beautiful perfume of cassis and plum-like fruits interwoven with licorice, violets, damp earth. Focused, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. Enjoy through 2050."
• Wine Advocate — 94 Points: "Supple and seamless, bursting with aromas of sweet dark berries, petals and licorice. Succulent and polished, it will offer a broad drinking window."
• Decanter — 91 Points: "A ton of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, chewy and concentrated, with a shot of acidity that picks everything up on the finish."

Wine Details

• 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot
• Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Biodynamic — Demeter certified
• Clay-limestone & gravel soils, north of Château Latour
• Vintage: 2020 | Drink 2027–2050
• 750ml

Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml

Explore the excellence of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, a captivating red wine that expertly balances boldness and finesse. This super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and deep, showcasing the exceptional winemaking that has made Orin Swift one of California's most celebrated producers. With an impressive 96-point score from James Suckling, this vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors that both novice and seasoned wine lovers will appreciate.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 96 Points - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 96 Points
"A super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep, with black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit, graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced."

Orin Swift - California Wine Excellence

Orin Swift is one of California's most celebrated wine producers, known for creating bold, distinctive wines with exceptional quality and character. Founded by winemaker Dave Phinney, Orin Swift has earned a reputation for producing wines that push boundaries while maintaining balance and elegance. The MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their Cabernet production.

Super-Concentrated & Age-Worthy

As James Suckling notes, this is "a super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep." The wine's concentration and structure provide the foundation for exceptional aging potential, making it both enjoyable now and worthy of cellaring for years to come.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep, concentrated color
Aroma: Black cherry, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf. Dark fruits like blackberry and plum with hints of chocolate, tobacco, and spices
Palate: Very focused with supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit. Black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced. Smooth mouthfeel characteristic of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon
Finish: Structured and deep with lingering complexity

Napa Valley Terroir

The careful crafting of this wine allows it to reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley, ensuring a full-bodied experience. Napa Valley's ideal climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, concentration, and elegance.

Very Focused & Elegant Texture

The wine is "very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit" according to James Suckling. This focus and elegance demonstrate the precision winemaking that defines Orin Swift's approach, creating a wine that is powerful yet refined.

Full-Bodied but Still Balanced

Despite its super-concentration and full-bodied character, this Cabernet Sauvignon maintains exceptional balance. This harmony between power and elegance makes it approachable while showcasing the complexity that defines great Cabernet Sauvignon.

Remarkable Aging Potential

One of the standout features of the Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is its remarkable aging potential. Crafted with careful attention to detail, this wine benefits from extended cellaring, allowing the flavors to deepen and evolve over time. It can be enjoyed fresh, revealing its vibrant fruit characters, or aged for several years to develop complex nuances that enhance its profile. Wine enthusiasts will find that this Cabernet evolves gracefully in the bottle.

2023 Vintage Excellence

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality and character that defines MERCURY HEAD. This vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors, encompassing dark fruits, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Food Pairing Suggestions

To fully appreciate the richness of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, consider pairing it with hearty dishes that match its robust character:

• Grilled meats - ribeye steaks and lamb chops
• Rich pasta dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Charcuterie board with salami and aged cheeses
• Dark chocolate
• Braised short ribs
• Roasted game meats

Perfect for Special Occasions

The wine's bold profile complements the flavors of hearty dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Each sip offers a smooth mouthfeel, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions, whether you're celebrating a special moment or enjoying an elevated dinner at home.

Excellent Addition to Any Collection

This age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent addition to any wine collection or a thoughtful gift for wine aficionados. The combination of super-concentration, structure, and aging potential ensures this wine will develop beautifully over time.

Graphite, Cocoa & Black Olive Complexity

The complex flavor profile featuring graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf creates layers of interest that reveal themselves with each sip. This complexity, combined with the elegant texture and supple tannins, demonstrates the artistry of Orin Swift's winemaking.

Structured & Deep Character

The structured and deep character of this wine provides both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential. The careful balance between concentration and elegance ensures that MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a memorable experience whether enjoyed young or after years of cellaring.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 94 Points | “Very pretty blackberries and blackcurrants with a hint of lead pencil. Medium-bodied with creamy, refined tannins and a polished finish. Shows precision and focus, especially in this hot vintage.” Drink after 2027.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Ripe black cherries, redcurrants, spicy oak, and flowery incense. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe polished tannins, and a great finish. Beautifully done — will evolve gracefully over the coming two decades.”
• Vinous – 92 Points | “Elegant, mid-weight Margaux. Dark-toned fruit, cloves, new leather and sweet spice, nicely lifted throughout. Attractive floral overtones extend the finish. Will drink well with minimal cellaring.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, red cherry, and lead pencil with floral incense and spicy oak. On the palate, creamy, refined tannins frame flavors of dark fruit, cloves, and sweet spice with attractive floral overtones on the finish. Precise, polished, and classically Margaux in character.

About the Wine

Château Rauzan-Gassies is a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) from the Margaux appellation, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious classifications dating to 1855. The 2022 is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, raised in 57% new oak barrels. The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is widely regarded as exceptional — and this wine delivers the precision and elegance that defines great Margaux. Now available in bottle as of early 2026.

Cellaring

Drink from 2027 through 2040+. Decant 45–60 minutes if opening now.

Food Pairing

Classic with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: 2nd Growth Grand Cru Classé (1855)
• Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Château Rauzan-Gassies

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Elaine Chukan Brown writes 92 Points | Generous and energetic, this Cabernet Sauvignon joins flavors of baked cherries and cranberries with a sprinkle of spice, vanilla and mocha cream, and almost-tobacco spices. Fine, persistent tannins carry through a long finish. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 growing season began with a mild spring that warmed into a temperate summer. The certified-organic grapes for this 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon matured smoothly and steadily, with a heat spike in early September that helped ripen the fruit to an ideal brix.

95 Points, Double Gold Medal
San Francisco Int'l Wine Competition, 2025
94 Points, Platinum Medal
Monterey Wine Competition, 2025
Gold Medal Pacific Rim Int'l Wine Competition, 2025

Following ZD’s signature style of producing big, ripe, fruit-forward wines, we sourced the grapes from small, organically certified vineyards, each with its own unique “terroir.” Each vineyard lot was fermented separately in small open-top fermenters and punched down three times a day, ensuring a gentle but effective extraction of color and tannins.

The individual lots were then aged in small American Oak cooperage for a year until final blending. The wine was returned to barrel and aged for an additional year before bottling.

This wine has a beautiful, deep ruby color with nuanced aromas blending cassis, anise, cola, black cherry pie, and subtle hints of baking spices complemented with cedar and vanilla. On the palate, red and dark fruits are forward and bright with fine, well-integrated tannins that gives it an unctuous mouthfeel. Lingering hints of blackberry, cocoa and toasty vanilla round out the long, lush finish. The balance of this wine leads to it drinking wonderfully now and it will continue to develop more complexity with age.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Vasse Felix's self-titled middle range often represents the best value for money, in this reviewer's opinion. This is both an excellent example of the range's quality as well as of Margaret River's distinctive Cab style. Layered aromas of tangy redcurrant, raspberry and cranberry are woven with pencil lead, new pavement and tobacco leaf. There's a wonderful lift of crunchy currant fruit on the palate, which counterbalances the big smudgy, savory tannins.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

95 points, Wine Spectator. This bursts with bramble, licorice snap, blackberry and mulberry aromas and flavors that are energetic and juicy through the finish, where a flash of iris kicks in. A graphite spine to keep this honest. For fans of the exuberant style. Drink now through 2040.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Tasting Panel 92 Points  Befitting its name, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah is opaque in hue, but the palate is juicy, glossy, and lusciously crafted, unmasking notes of dark chocolate, sage, and blackberry licorice.

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2021 — Half Bottle (375ml)

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been one of Sonoma County’s most respected producers since 1979, with a long track record of crafting Cabernet Sauvignon of genuine depth, structure, and value. Their Sonoma County Cabernet is a benchmark for the appellation — a wine that consistently overdelivers at its price point, drawing on fruit from across the county to deliver the richness and complexity that Sonoma Cab is known for. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle, perfect for a solo dinner, a gift, or a first taste of the estate.

The 2021 vintage began slightly early, with the first fruit picked on August 18. Limited rainfall during the growing season produced lighter crops but brought intense, concentrated flavor and color. Consistent summer temperatures — free from lingering heat waves — helped maintain natural acidity for brightness and balance. The result is a deeply extracted, beautifully structured Cabernet.

Generous aromas of crushed wild blackberries, dark red fruits, cassis, and milk chocolate, with savory notes of black olive, sage, and a hint of allspice. The palate delivers black cherry, cassis, herb mélange, and dark chocolate, wrapped in plush tannins and barrel spice, finishing long and rich.

Wine Enthusiast — 89 points

“This deeply extracted Cabernet gives aromas of spiced plum, blackberry and licorice on the nose. The palate brings black cherry, cassis, herb mélange and dark-chocolate flavors wrapped in plush tannin and barrel spice that lingers across the finish.” (Vintage 2021). 

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short rib, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2021
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 89 points Wine Enthusiast