The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville was matured for 22 months in 80% new French oak. "If we had picked this post-Glass Fire, we would have lost it," winemaker Jesse Katz says with audible relief, recalling the devastating wildfire that began on September 27th in Napa County. "The fire was right there, and it went right through the vineyard." This lucky-to-be-here Cabernet has a medium to deep ruby color and gregarious aromas of cassis, coffee beans, sage, tobacco leaves and crème brûlée, offering surprising aromatic purity and layering for this challenging vintage. The full-bodied palate is über ripe and hedonistic, with loads of suede-textured tannins, rounded acidity and a long, oak-laced finish. A hint of rusticity and overt oak character suggests this will be most enjoyable over the next 5-7 years.

95 Pts Wine Advocate