Lot 610 | 2024 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml
***BOTTLING EARLY MAY, SHIPPING SHORTLY AFTER*** There are two big things to discuss today. First: 2024 Napa Valley Cabernet has arrived! After the cool, structured 2023 vintage, 2024 is a return to classic form – warmer conditions, more richness, and immediate appeal. Winemakers across the valley are extremely happy with how the wines are showing in barrel at the 1.5-year mark, and critics agree. Galloni in Vinous observed that “Napa Valley soars with the 2023 and 2024 Cabernet Sauvignons. . . . At some properties, the 2024s will challenge or surpass the 2023s.” It’s impossible for us to make sweeping statements about a region containing 400+ wineries, but in general, Napa’s 2023 produced some of the most cellar-worthy Cabernets we’ve seen in years, while 2024 showcases a more archetypally generous style and is already drinking impressively in its youth. It goes without saying that we’ll be hoarding plenty of both in our own collections. Second: we’re opening our 2024 account with a powerhouse Cab from an iconic producer that defines the region (no exaggeration). Lot 610 comes to us from a winery with a legitimate claim to having invented Napa Cab as we know it. For decades, this household name has been a flagbearer for the valley, crafting wines from some of its most venerated sites. Every release possesses an unmistakable character, and there isn’t much more we can say without giving it away so let’s just get to the business end – though it’s still early in the year, volatile economic conditions at both micro and global levels already have folks signing on the dotted line to nudge their balance sheets in the right direction. As always, our readers are happy beneficiaries – today’s wine under its original label is closer to the $200 mark than just merely entering triple digits, but we’ve landed it for you at over 80% OFF. $36/bottle! Winter rains meant there was plenty of moisture in the soil for a healthy fruit set and for vines to thrive throughout a summer punctuated by periods of heat. Vintners reported outstanding quality in the 2024 crop, with heavy emphasis on overnight picking during a short harvest window. In the cellar, our source meticulously fussed over each step with maximum precision. The grapes underwent a long gentle fermentation before the precious juice settled into French oak barrels of the finest cooperage for 18 months. Dark and nearly impenetrable at the core, its nose opens with refined and concentrated notes of deep plum, cassis, and black cherry that lure you deep into the glass. Secondary notes of crushed florals, clay dust, and eucalyptus are also present in spades. The entry is plush with dark fruit, barrel spice, vanilla bean, and deep earth tones, all framed by a deftly balanced acidity and plentiful chewy, medium-grained tannins. The dry finish is nearly eternal, savory and umami-driven, lingering with baking spice, vanilla, additional dark fruit, and violets. 14.7% alc