Lot 500
2022 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

$125+/bottle under the original label

Lot 500 is a 100% single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from a producer internationally renowned for bombshell Napa Cabs. An extremely strict NDA gives us no room to disclose any source information (including the price), but this prime, archetypal expression of Rutherford soil comfortably commands well over $125/bottle, $1500/case under its original label. The pedigree, winemaking style, and sheer quality of this Cabernet made it a worthy suitor to carry the torch for our 500th Lot.

The nose soars out of the glass, showcasing black cherry and freshly cracked pepper followed by violets, graphite, leather, and blackcurrant, each element distinctly defined. The palate opens with luscious cherries and cassis, intermingling with new, soft leather and the hallmark Rutherford dust, framed by toasty oak spice, toffee, and perfectly integrated acidity. The finish begins with full-grained grippy tannins that lead into a dry, resonant finale where crushed violets, additional black cherry, and freshly-sliced vanilla beans linger on without end. Spectacular.