Napa Valley Vintners Open the Cellar event is the best way to support your favorite Napa Valley wineries, discover new ones and have first access to pre-released Cabernet Sauvignons that often sell out upon release. I’ve decided to taste through a few producers that represent different regions within the Napa Valley so you can have an idea on what to expect and some of my favorite finds. Be sure to act fast and grab your favorites while you can! And if not anything else, support your favorite producers right now during these tough times!
The Open the Cellar event starts Tuesday September 8th at 8 a.m. and closes that Thursday, September 10th at 5 p.m. so be sure to get your orders in if there’s anything you’ve got your eye on. It’s not often you get the chance to purchase such highly anticipated pre-released wines from such revealed producers without being in their club or on their allocation list. Plus, with many tasting rooms operating at half capacity, these online orders help to keep their staff and businesses running! If you’re able to buy direct – I encourage it!
Alright, here’s a round up of a few wines that I tried – I have to say the 2017 and 2018 vintages are shaping up really nicely. Drinking beautifully now but can lay down for quite some time if you’re looking to add to your collection.
2017 Conn Creek Anthology
Conn Creek is 100% underrated in my opinion. I find not enough people know about this gem of a spot. They specialize in AVA specific Cabernets – so if you’re a a Cab buff – it’s a great tasting spot for you. This was my first time trying their Anthology, which is their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and wow, it’s good. On the nose there’s notes of bramble berry and plum, which carry through to the palate in addition to a rich cocoa and nutmeg. It’s concentrated yet has a nice acidity + well integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully now but could lay down for 10+ years. Price: $95
2017 David Arthur Old Vine Cabernet
Iconic producer located up on Pritchard Hill – and they’re 2017 Old Vine Cab is shining. I wouldn’t expect anything less. The vines from these vineyards are around fifty years old, so they’re very low yield, and you can tell – there is so much depth in this wine. Layers on layers on layers. On the nose I get lots of blackberry cobbler and a slight dustiness. On the palate, it’s full of luscious dark fruit, round and mouth coating. A dream. Plus, if you ever get the chance to visit, highly recommend! Some of the best, most welcoming hospitality I’ve experienced! Price: $225
2018 Lewis Cellars Hillstone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
I’ve always heard such wonderful things about Lewis Cellars, and am so glad I finally got to try it. Wow, I understand now why all of the rave reviews! This is a rich, deep Cabernet full of black fruit, fig compote, vanilla, black cherry and pepper notes. It’s mouth coating, and decadent with a super long finish that brings you back time and time again for another sip. Price: $175
2017 Staglin Salus
Staglin is an iconic producer located in the Rutherford AVA – I’ve always been very impressed with their wines. This 2017 Salus shows beautiful aromas of black cherry, cocoa powder and earth. Upon first sip you notice how bright and clean this wine is – incredible acidity – which leads me to believe this wine could easily age for 20+ years. Oh, and they are certified organic! Price: $125
2017 Swanson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Swanson is a producer I have always wanted to taste, and boy, I am sure glad I did! Immediately upon dipping my nose into this glass I was mesmerized. Wow, bright boysenberry, cassis, dust and dried herbs – all of that translates over to the palate. Layers of fruit dance on the palate, followed with grippy but well integrated tannins. This wine has such a beautiful finesse to it and is showing beautifully right now but could lay down for many years to come. I hope to soon visit their tasting room, as it’s modeled after an old Parisian salon! Price: $120
I can confidently recommend these five wines to any Napa Valley Cabernet lover that is looking to add to their collection. These beauties are all shining right now, but will continue to develop and impress over time. Remember, the Napa Valley Vintners Open the Cellar event is a rare opportunity to have access to these pre-released wines. So, which one are you going to snag?
