Illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Two years ago, a writer from Decanter magazine took a drive out to Oakville (in Napa) and tasted 42 consecutive vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon produced by the estate that made our cherry-, mocha- and cedar-accented Illustrious Cabernet.

"What I'd like to make clear," he wrote, following the tasting, "is that each wine was enjoyable, captivating, delicious and impressionable.

"Think about that—American Cabernet Sauvignon, going back 42 years, still inviting, fresh and enviable."

Another writer, this time from Wine Spectator, has said "among the many multigenerational, family-owned wineries in Napa Valley," the one behind this wine, "stands as an exemplar."

Critic Karen MacNeil, meanwhile, has commented the winery's Cab is "Like the Margaux of Napa Valley—it can be depended on to be elegant, beautifully modulated."

We could go on, but you probably get the picture: This Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, is a very BIG deal. That's why we named the wine Illustrious, "notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions," according to Merriam-Webster.

So why haven't we told you which winery the Cab came from, which estate so many reviewers have gushed about?

Well, that's because we signed a legally binding non-disclosure agreement. Also known as an NDA, the document basically says we are forbidden to share any specifics about the estate, the winemaker or the vineyards that supplied its fruit, and very little about the wine itself beyond a tasting note.

There are many reasons a producer may choose to go this route, but it’s usually because they have more wine than expected or a vintage didn’t quitelive up to their expectations, or because other contracts they had in place fell through.

This one comes courtesy of Kristina, our local wine expert, who leverages her area connections and scours Napa, Sonoma and nearby appellations for premium juice. Someone she knows gave her the head's up that the winery in question had some oversupply they were hoping to sell. The price she got for it, though, is pretty much unheard of. (The last time this producer’s Cabernet retailed for close to this amount, it was 1999.)

A compelling expression of place aged 19 months in French oak, the wine opens with inviting aromas of dark cherries and mocha. On the palate, similar flavors fold in with ripe raspberry tones and are complemented by accents of cedar. Supple yet well defined, it's a polished affair suitable for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging. In short, it is a Cab of unchallenged, enduring beauty.

And with 200 cases to go around, we encourage you to act now.