The 50 Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons of the 21st Century

With a winemaking history stretching back to 1839, Napa Valley has been heralded as the source of some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon since 1976, when Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon received the highest rating in a comparative tasting between French and American wines. Napa Valley’s reputation has grown exponentially in the intervening 48 years, as have the number of wineries there and the overall quality of the wines.

America’s most famous wine producing region is now home to almost 500 wineries, a vast jump from the year it first gained international acclaim, when there were only around 50. The 21st century has been a boon for Napa Valley, with the number of highly rated or exceptional vintages far outpacing poor or even average seasons. Although just about any grape you can think of is grown and made into wine in Napa Valley, more than 50 percent of its vineyards are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, making it by far the most important crop and the most popular wine made there.

We have been visiting the valley for more than 25 years and have been writing about wine professionally for almost two decades, and fortunately we are both avid note takers. While we have a stash of old notebooks and tasting booklets from visits over the years, when we began working on our book Wines of California, which was released in 2014, we both switched to taking notes on our laptops and phones, leaving a digital record. At that time many wineries opened their cellars for us then, offering us the opportunity to taste not just their current vintage but back vintages as well, which gave us unique insight into the ageability and evolution of some of Napa Valley’s finest bottles of Cab. In addition to some of the renowned names that brought recognition and accolades to the region in the last quarter of the 20th century, many of the newer entries have quickly made a name for themselves with the right combination of fruit sourcing and winemaking talent.

The best thing about this list is that almost every single wine on here, even the oldest vintages, should still be drinking well. The second-best thing is that all of the more recent vintages still have years of life left in them and can be opened in a decade or two. We took many elements into consideration when making our choices, and the most important is taste, but how a wine actually “tastes” involves a variety of impressions, including flavor, texture, tannins, acidity, and finish. Many were tasted blind in comparative tastings with similar wines, but some were enjoyed at professional tastings at wineries, at dinner with winemakers, or opened by friends. With that in mind, we have chosen the 50 Greatest Cabernet Sauvignons of the Century so far.

Darioush 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Darioush Khaledis and his wife Shahpar emigrated from Persia to California and selected sites in the southern part of Napa Valley to craft their delicious wines. Their 2007 Cab had aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, black plum, and black raspberry with taut tannins and flavors of cassis, pencil lead, and blueberry when we tasted it in 2012.
Nickle & Nickle 2021 C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

Tasted just a few months ago, the 2021 C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon introduced itself with aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, and plum and then progressed to flavors of Christmas cookie baking spices, black currant, and cherry.
To Kalon Vineyard Company 2019 HWC Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

The To Kalon Vineyard Company takes its name from the Greek words “To Kalon” which translate to “highest beauty.” It was named by H.W. Crabb who planted vines and fruit trees here in the 1860s. Named for Henry Walker Crabb, 2019 HWC Cab is and has aromas of ripe red and black fruits punctuated by finely ground cinnamon and nutmeg with flavors of black cherry and black raspberry.
Groth 2016 Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

We first became familiar with Groth when we published our Wines of California book in 2014 and have continuously tasted the wines since then. One of the standout vintages for both of us was the 2016 Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It had aromas of blueberry, black plum, and buttery pie crust with smooth tannins and flavors of ripe red cherry, dark chocolate, and a touch of blueberry preserves.
Burgess 2021 Promiscua Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

We all know what the word promiscuous means in daily life but in the vineyard the word means something completely different. It comes from the old Italian—and more likely Ancient Roman—technique of planting food crops and trees among the vines and trellising the grape vines over the branches of those trees. Whatever the intent, we think the 2021 Burgess Promiscua Cab is delicious. It has aromas of candied cherry, cigar box, and red raspberry that lead to flavors of blackberry, crushed violet petals, and red currant.
Etude 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Winemaker John Priest has been making wine from Pinot Noir grapevines planted at Etude by Tony Soter in 1982, but he also makes superb wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2019 Cab has aromas of crushed violet petals, cassis, tobacco leaf, and cedar. On entry it has grippy tannins which act as a backbone for flavors of black plum, red currant, and dark chocolate.
Honig Vineyard and Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Honig Vineyard and Winery is family owned, sustainable, and solar powered. We tasted the 2010 as a library release when we somewhat randomly visited as part of a friend’s Napa Valley birthday scavenger hunt. It had lots of youthfulness and proffered aromas of ripe black fruits and dried savory herbs. Smooth tannins lead the way to flavors of black currant, red plum, and a touch of mocha in the finish.
One Acre 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Porchview Vineyard Oak Knoll Napa Valley

This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes sourced from the Porchview parcel in Dave Becker’s One Acre vineyard. Harvested in early October following an exceptional growing season and bottled in July 2021, it has enticing aromas of cassis, pencil lead, and black plum with smooth tannins and flavors of Oolong tea, black raspberry, and red currant.
Realm Cellars 2021 The Bard Napa Valley

With a name based on a line from Shakespeare’s King Richard, the Bard has been made by Realm Cellars since 2003. It’s always a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant proprietary blend but vineyard sites can vary year to year. The 2021 has aromas of cigar box, saddle leather, red cherry, and a touch of star anise. Full bodied in the mid palate it has flavors of black plum and black raspberry with closing touches of earthiness.
Peter Michael Winery 2012 Au Paridis Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

The Peter Michael Winery has 1,200 acres of land but only 200 acres have been planted with vines. The vineyard sites vary from mountain slopes to the benchlands of Oakville, and the Au Paridis vineyard is located squarely in the Oakville AVA. Its name translated roughly to “heaven,” this vineyard is planted at between 500 to 600 feet of altitude. The 2012 vintage stands out for its heavenly aromas of ripe red and black fruits that lead to bold flavors mellowed by soft tannins.
Chimney Rock 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District Napa Valley

Stella and Hack Wilson purchased Chimney Rock estate in 1980; at that time, it was 180 acres including a golf course. The Terlato family partnered with the Wilsons in 2000, planted more Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and in 2004 took over sole management of the estate. Chimney Rock’s 2021 Cab has aromas of black currant, red raspberry, and crushed violet petals with pleasantly grippy tannins and flavors of fennel frond, black raspberry, and a touch of finely ground black pepper in the finish.
Hall 2006 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Kathryn Hall is well known for serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Austria from 1997 to 2001 and returning to Napa Valley to purchase the old St. Helena Bergfeld Winery in 2003. Her 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was certainly a standout in both of our minds when we tasted it in the early 2010s, offering aromas of dark chocolate, black raspberry, pencil lead, and tobacco leaf that opened to flavors of blackberry, violet, and brown baking spices.
Robert Mondavi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

Robert Mondavi began making wine at his own winery in 1966 and is considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of modern American winemaking as well as a Napa Valley legend. We tasted the estate’s 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the best in the long list of excellent wines made by this venerable winery. Opened at the end of the century’s first decade, this wine had aromas of red currant, mocha, and ripe plum with silky tannins and flavors of black raspberry, pencil lead, and cocoa powder.
Baldacci Family Vineyards 2014 Brenda’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Named in honor of his mother Brenda, winemaker Michael Baldacci carefully selects only the best grapes to go into this stunning wine, which is aged in medium to heavy toasted French oak barrels to create texture and complexity. His 2014 embodied both of these elements with soft silky texture and layers upon layers of intricate flavors of ripe black fruits, toasted hazelnut, black olive tapenade, vanilla, and savory dried herbs.
Rutledge & Vine 2019 CS Oakville Napa Valley

Rob Mondavi, Jr. is a fourth generation Napa Valley winemaker who has been in the business since he began working next to his father Michael Mondavi as a young child. Rutledge & Vine is his personal project with his wife Lydia, and we were lucky enough to taste all of his back vintages earlier this year. The 2018 really stood out for us for its ability to show Rob’s prowess as a rockstar winemaker. It has aromas of red raspberry, red currant, and black cherry with taut acidity, fine tannins, and flavors of red plum and cassis. Our only regret is that we didn’t save a bottle to taste at the 10-year mark.
Inglenook 2016 Rubicon Rutherford Napa Valley

Named for the river that Julius Caesar crossed when he invaded Rome in 49 B.C., Rubicon has been made by Inglenook since 1978. Winemaker Philippe Bascaules recalls ideal harvest conditions in 2016, and the resulting wine has aromas of cherry vanilla pie, red raspberry, and a touch of fennel frond. Balanced acidity and soft tannins wrap around flavors of cherry cola, blackberry, and cassis.
Raymond 2009 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Established in 1974, and now owned by Burgundian wine legend Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond Vineyards is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Although the wines produced here have been excellent since the winery’s inception, Raymond 2009 Generations is starred on the page of our tasting book. The 2009 vintage has ethereal aromas of violet, blackberry, and powdered cocoa with a sturdy tannic backbone and flavors of Luxardo cherry, black raspberry, and creamy vanilla.
Sullivan 2021 Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

James O’Neil Sullivan established Sullivan Estate in 1972 and surreptitiously sold wine to family and friends for decades before making the decision to go commercial with his amazing wines. Their 2021 Coeur de Vigne translates from French as “the heart of the vine” and has aromas of blackberry preserves, cassis, and a whiff of graphite with bold flavors of ripe black fruits sheathed in voluptuous tannins.
Mt. Brave 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Napa Valley

Chicago-born Chris Carpenter graduated from the University of Illinois and went on to get his MS in viticulture and enology from U.C. Davis. We tell you this because besides being an extremely artistic winemaker, he has the scientific chops to back it all up. His Mt. Brave 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is fantastic and has aromas of chopped herbs and ripe black fruits. It is soft on entry with silky tannins and flavors of black currant, red plum, mocha, and just a touch of cardamom in the long, long, finish.
Dalla Valle Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Naoko Dalla Valle founded her eponymous winery in 1986 and can still be found walking the vines most days. Her daughter Maya joined her in 2017 and together the team continues to produce exceptional wines. Composed of 78 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 21 percent Cabernet Franc, and 1 percent Petite Verdot, the 2020 has aromas of violet petals, Oolong tea, and tobacco leaf with flavors of dark chocolate, brown baking spices, and black currant.
Frank Family Vineyards 2018 RHF Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards RHF is named for Richard Harvey Frank, who founded the estate during his 10-year tenure as president of Disney Studios. He found life in Napa Valley to be a bit more relaxing than his day-to-day grind in Los Angeles. Frank Family Vineyards 2018 RHF embodies that relaxed feeling of sitting around a table with family and friends. It has aromas of powdered cocoa, toasted almonds, and ripe red and black fruits. Generous and full bodied in the mouth, it offers flavors of ripe cherry, black currant, raspberry, and crushed violet petal.
Heitz Cellar 2016 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

Joe Heitz started making wine in Napa Valley and is said to have created California’s first “vineyard designate” wine from his Martha’s Vineyard parcel in Oakville. We have tasted library vintages of Heitz going back a few decades and can tell you the team purposefully makes wines that are built to age. Heitz Cellar’s 2016 has intriguing aromas of dried sage, black plum, and pencil lead with silky tannins and flavors of ripe black fruits, candied orange peel, and finely grounded brown baking spices.
Annulus 2021 Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

Vine Hill Ranch has grown stellar fruit for many excellent wines and this 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon is made with grapes harvested from their block No. 2 plot in the Oakville AVA foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. It offers enticing aromas of dried plum, dried savory herbs, and a whiff of cigar box with plush tannins and flavors of cassis, black raspberry, and dark chocolate.
Lamborn Family Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

Bob Lamborn and his son Michael purchased 40 acres of land in 1971 and immediately placed 14 of them under vine. They hired legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett in 1996 and today the estate is managed by Michael and Terry Lamborn, who are passing the torch to third generation Brian and Matt. We tasted the family’s 2010 shortly after release and noted it had intense aromas of pencil lead, crushed violet petals, and cassis with fine tannins and flavors of dark chocolate, black raspberry, and wild blueberry.
Corison 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Napa Valley

Veteran winemaker Cathy Corison has always strived to make powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignons that speak of place and terroir and her 2020 certainly hits these marks. This delightful Cab has aromas and flavors of fennel frond, cigar box, cassis, cranberry, and a touch of sarsaparilla root in the finish.
Chateau Montelena 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga Napa Valley

The 1976 Judgement of Paris put Chateau Montelena Chardonnay on the map when they took first place over well regarded French white wines. The estate is also known for fine Cabs, and this one is prize worthy with flavors of dried lavender, bright red cherry, and Oolong black tea.
Caymus 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

When we tasted Caymus 2004 in 2008, we found enticing aromas of cigar box, vanilla, and cassis with grippy tannins and flavors of ripe black fruits and dried Mediterranean herbs. If you were to find a bottle now, it should be holding up nicely, we felt it would last at least 20 years if not 25.
Faust 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Located in the Coombsville AVA, Faust’s estate vineyards benefit from ocean breezes from San Pablo Bay as well as ancient volcanic soils. The 2021 growing season was cooler than average with maturation and ripening less harried than usual. This vintage exhibits aromas of blackberry, pencil lead, and underbrush that lead to elegant mouthfeel and flavors of toasted almonds, black cherry, and ripe red plum.
Chappellet 2005 Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

In 1967 Molly and Donn Chappellet purchased their Pritchard Hill estate and started planting vines after consulting with Napa wine legend André Tchelistcheff. They were one of the first families to cultivate grapes at high altitude in the valley. Our notes show that we tasted the 2005 a few years after release at a friend’s home. At that time, it had ethereal aromas of black raspberry, ripe cherry, pencil lead, and espresso bean with fine tannins and flavors of cassis, black berry, crushed violet petals, and just a touch of mocha in the long finish. If you could get your hands on a bottle today, we know it would still be drinking perfectly.
Memento Mori 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Founded in 2010 by three childhood friends, Hayes Drumwright, Adam Craun, and Adriel Lares, Memento Mori is named for the Latin phrase and life philosophy that reminds us to live each day to its fullest. The team hired winemaker Sam Kaplan to craft their terroir driven wines. Memento Mori 2021 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is ink colored in the glass with aromas of raspberry, espresso, graphite, and cherry with opulent tannins and flavors of plum, dried lavender, and vanilla.
Hundred Acre 2018 Dark Ark Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

Hundred Acre is winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s longest-standing winery project. He was born in Canada but became enamored with Napa Valley in the 1990s and eventually purchased Kali Morgan winery in 2000. He has since expanded his holdings with his wife Helen to include Morgan’s Way, Madrigal, Fortunate Son, and Summer Dreams. Hundred Acre 2018 Dark Ark Cab has aromas and flavors of dark black plum, vibrant red currant, and blackberry with well-structured tannins and balanced acidity.
Lewis Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

We tasted Lewis Cellars 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in 2016 just before it was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year and fully agree that it deserved the distinction. Our notes recall that it was ink colored in the glass with aromas of blueberry pie, finely ground brown baking spices, and freshly rolled Cuban cigar with flavors of dark chocolate, cherry, and a touch of graphite. The tannins were still a bit grippy in 2016 but we’re sure they have mellowed and it’s drinking better now than ever.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2021 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley

We’ve been fans of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for years and just found a few bottles of the 2009 Cask 23 in our cellar which we happily opened for a recent family dinner. We are constantly reminded of the consistency of this house again and again with every bottle we open. The 2021 has enticing aromas of cassis, cigar box, and raspberry confiture with elegant tannins and flavors of black raspberry, black plum, and powdered cocoa in the long, long finish.
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Beaulieu Vineyard 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Beaulieu Vineyards flagship wine, the 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cab consists of 94 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 6 percent Petit Verdot. It is an understatement to say we were pretty impressed when we opened it recently. It had aromas of black raspberry, black licorice, incense, and fine cocoa powder with polished tannins and flavors of cassis, Oolong tea, black plum, and vanilla. Although it’s drinking nicely right now, don’t hesitate to lay a bottle down for a few decades.
Joseph Phelps 2002 Insignia Napa Valley

Joseph Phelps began blending different wines made from a variety of plots in 1974 with the singular goal of making exceptional wine. He named this project Insignia to emphasize the importance and significance of his concept, and this flagship wine has been sought after by collectors since the beginning. We tasted the 2002 a few years after release and found aromas of vanilla, black berry, and freshly baked cherry pie. The tannins were well structured with perfectly balanced acidity and flavors of cedar, rose petals, and ripe black fruits.
Melka 2018 Mêtisse Montbleau Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Napa Valley

Owners Philippe and Cherie Melka produce four lines of wine including Mêtisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma, and Majestique from vineyards around the world. Philippe learned winemaking by working at fine wine estates in Bordeaux, Italy, and Napa while Cherie, a self-taught winemaker, studied microbiology. Their 2018 Mêtisse hails from Montbleau Vineyard and has aromas of cherry pipe tobacco, mocha, and black plum with opulent tannins and flavors of red cherry, dark chocolate, cassis, and black raspberry.
Favia 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley

A joint project between husband-and-wife team Annie Favia and winemaker Andy Erickson, Favia was founded in 2003 with a desire to make fine wines from the family’s estate vineyards in Coombsville. They brought in winemaker Jessica Tarpy and together the team makes highly sought-after wines. The 2018 is purple hued in the glass with aromas of graphite, cassis, and blackberry. It has a voluptuous yet firm tannic structure that supports flavors of black plum, black currant, and crushed violet petals.
Mayacamas Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Napa Valley

When we wrote our third book Wines of California, we asked wineries to send samples of their recently released wines but Mayacamas sent not only their current release but additionally sent five vintages of their library wines, one dating back over 20 years. After tasting all of them and continuously tasting current samples we can truly say that Mayacamas Vineyards makes exceptional wines that will last for decades. Their 2015 Cab should drink well past 2035 and has enticing aromas of cassis, graphite, purple flowers, and black raspberry. It has opulent tannins with flavors of ripe black fruits, violet petals, cigar box, and blueberry.
Staglin Family Vineyard 2002 20th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

Shari, Garen, Brandon, and Shannon Staglin started Staglin Family Vineyard in 1985 and have been making stellar wines since its inception. Their 20th Anniversary Cab is no exception. When we tasted it a few years after release we were both impressed, and our tasting note started with the word “WOW!” It had aromas of ripe red and black fruits with pleasantly grippy tannins that we knew would mellow out with time and flavors of cassis, saddle leather, and ripe black plum.
Schrader Cellars 2007 CCS Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Napa Valley

There are a lot of Schrader Cellar vintages we love, and we’re in good company because our wine world colleagues have awarded them 39 perfect 100-point scores over the last 26 years. When we tasted the 2007 it had ethereal aromas of ripe black fruits that led to soft, juicy tannins in the mid palate and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dried savory herbs. If we could get our hands on a bottle right now, we’re pretty sure it would still be amazing.
Merus 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Napa Valley

The name Merus comes from the Latin word meaning “pure” or “unmixed.” The brand was started in 1998 by Erika J. Gottle and Mark Herold in their two-car garage and today the winery is owned by Foley Family Wines; since its founding it has expanded to include over 7,000 square feet of caves for barrel aging. The 2005 stood out when we tasted it a few years after release. It had aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and pencil lead with bold tannic structure and flavors of cassis, blackberry, and crushed violet petal.
Dominus Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley

George Yount is said to have planted Napa Valley’s very first vines in 1838 in the Napanook Vineyard which is now managed by Christian Moueix, owner of Dominus Estate. It currently consists of 102 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Truly a stunning wine, the 2018 has 89 percent Cab and aromas of cassis, violet petal, and Indian spice box that transition to flavors of ripe black fruits and purple flowers.
Scarecrow 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

Grapes used to make Scarecrow wine are grown in vineyards once owned by Inglenook winemaker Gustave Niebaum and honor the history of Napa Valley legend J.J. Cohn. We tasted the 2007 a few years after release and felt this wine would last at least 25 years. It had flavors of blackberry, cassis, and finely sifted cocoa powder that transitioned on the palate to flavors of ripe red plum and dark fruits.
Sign of the Dove 2021 Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

A joint project between third generation wine merchant Jake Taub and winemaker Jesse Katz, Sign of the Dove is a new project that we think merits a great deal of respect. Grapes for this amazing Cab are sourced from the legendary Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard. It has aromas of black cherry, black currant and blueberry syrup with suede-like tannins and flavors of tobacco leaf, black raspberry, and black plum. Drink now or hold for a few decades.
Cardinale 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley

A blend of 91 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 9 percent Merlot this stand out wine made by rock star winemaker Chris Carpenter offers aromas of mocha, cigar box, black plum, and cassis. It is savory in the mouth with silky tannins and flavors of blackberry, dried herbs, and a touch of espresso in the finish. It’s drinking perfectly right now but lay a few bottles down for a few years; you won’t be disappointed.
Fairest Creature 2019 Sine Fine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

One of Napa Valley’s more recent high-profile launches, we found the Sine Fine from the 2019 vintage, made by winemaker Benoit Touquette, to be the one we appreciated the most. It has aromas of dark chocolate, mocha, and blue fruits with juicy, ripe tannins, and flavors of black currant, blueberry, and espresso bean. Truly a wine to be reckoned with.
Opus One 2013 Oakville Napa Valley

Founded by Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillippe de Rothschild in 1978, Opus One was one of the first international collaborations in Napa Valley and one of the valley’s first cult wines. The 2013 vintage produced a stellar wine with aromas of blackberry, rose hips, and cinnamon and flavors of blackberry jam, bright cassis, and dark chocolate. Drink or hold, either way you win.
Ad Vivum 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sleeping Lady Vineyard Yountville Napa Valley

A joint project between winemakers Chris Phelps and his son Josh, Ad Vivum has been one of our favorites since its inception. It’s crafted from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the Sleeping Lady Vineyard after a picture-perfect vintage growing season and harvest. Heavenly aromas of ripe black fruits, pencil lead, mocha, and cigar box draw you in to the glass for ethereal flavors of cassis and black raspberry enveloped in a sheath of velvety tannins. Wow, just wow.
Screaming Eagle 2007 Oakville Napa Valley

A friend opened a bottle of Screaming Eagle 2007 for us in 2014 because winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett had received a perfect 100-point score a few years earlier. We both remember being totally bowled over. If you’re lucky and have a huge bank account, there are a few bottles still available.
Harlan Estate 2016 Oakville Napa Valley

We tasted this wine when it was first released, but tasting it again in 2024, we can say it has a lot of time for you to enjoy it over the next 25 years. Enticing aromas of ripe red and blue fruits tempered by a whiff of savory herbs set the stage for flavors of blackberry preserves, blueberry compote, dried lavender, and cedar to excite the palate. There are a lot of amazing wines in the world, but this is certainly one that demands a huge amount of respect.