Napa Valley Cabernet, 91 points from both Vinous and Wine Spectator, and less than $23. You don't see that combination very often, folks. And I can tell you, this stuff is absolutely delicious.
Michael Pozzan's Napa Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon has all the style and substance of a wine that would typically cost $40-$50+. I promise you I'm not exaggerating. I had a glass of this with flank steak the other night, and it honestly blew me away.
And when Vinous and Wine Spectator both give a wine 91 points, I really pay attention. Those two publications don't always overlap, and when they do, you can be pretty darn sure the wine is good! Vinous Media is my preferred reviewing agency, and they do a great job finding and reviewing smaller, more boutique producers. Wine Spectator has a much broader reach, reviewing wines from producers both big and small. So to see both of them agree on this one is a pretty strong endorsement, and I think it's worth paying attention to.
Composed primarily of valley floor fruit, where Cabernet tends to get riper and more opulent, the wine spent 20 months in French oak, giving it that plush, luxurious Napa character without totally burying the fruit. Packed with notes of cassis, blackberry, mocha, spice box, and vanilla, this deeply colored, full-bodied red is polished and fine-grained, and it's ready to drink now. You're going to love it.
In case you need another opinion, here's what Vinous Media's Antonio Galloni had to say: "The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Cuvée is packed with inky black fruit, espresso, new leather, licorice, menthol and chocolate. This bold, sumptuous Cabernet offers tons of immediacy."
I can think of a lot of wines I'd love to have with a grilled ribeye, but none that I'd rather have at $29.99. Pour this with a thick burger, a steak, or just open a bottle after a long day and enjoy it.
This is a whole lot of Napa Cab for the money. Get some!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
