***BOTTLING MID-JANUARY, SHIPPING SHORTLY AFTER***
Quick trivia question: what’s the most expensive grape in Napa Valley?
Most folks would probably guess Cabernet Sauvignon, but the correct answer is Cabernet Franc! In last year’s harvest, it commanded almost 25% more per ton. A rare planting prized by winemakers at top estates for the finesse and aromatics it brings to their flagship house reds, it’s notoriously finicky and only thrives in very specific soils and microclimates (which makes it risky and more labor-intensive to farm). Given its relative scarcity, few producers bottle Cab Franc as a standalone varietal, which makes today’s offer an especially exclusive treat.
Today’s find is a library acquisition resulting from the sale of a highly acclaimed family winery. Facing another year of tough industry economics, they opted to put it up for sale, and when new ownership stepped in, those “special treasure” barrels in the cellar – held back for future release – were suddenly on the table. We didn’t waste any time, nabbing an exclusive shot at a gorgeous “mini vertical” of 2021/2022 Mt. Veeder Cab Franc at a price that hardly seems real: only $19/bottle!
Lot 580 & Lot 581 are single-vineyard Cabernet Francs from a high-altitude site perched in the appellation’s steep, rugged terrain. Its well-draining ancient seabed soils produce grapes of wonderful concentration, showcasing some of the finest mountain terroir on the North Coast. Each intricately structured wine is irresistible, telling the story of its respective vintage while possessing Mt. Veeder’s hallmark bramble and dark fruit profile. Older releases were sold for $100+/bottle and are long gone, so our customers are the only people that will ever get access to these final vintage gems, and for 80% OFF!
Our price: $119/6-pack, $19+/bottle!
Or, buy a 6-pack of each and enjoy FREE SHIPPING!
About Lot 580
Most critics have lauded 2021 as one of Napa’s finest vintages of the century. It was the third consecutive drought year, leading to low yields of über-concentrated fruit. A consistently mild fall allowed the grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity, only adding to the fruit’s intensity.
Lot 580 is almost impenetrable on the pour. The nose unfurls slowly, layering black cherries and licorice with crushed violets, dried herbs, and wet stone, accented by vanilla, black pepper, and dark chocolate. The palate is a clear expression of its mountain provenance: densely concentrated, almost-black fruit meets strong minerality, perfectly interwoven with medium+ acidity and plentiful, uniform tannins. Tobacco leaf, dried red chili, and leather lend savory dimension, uplifted by a touch of spice. The finish is remarkably dry, carrying notes of additional spice, fresh-sliced vanilla bean, and resinous dark fruit that all linger seemingly forever.
About Lot 581
In 2022, winter storms broke a three-year dry spell and replenished soil moisture, while a warm spring gave the vines a healthy jump on the season. Due to its high elevation and proximity to the cooling winds of San Pablo Bay, this site was protected from fall heat, ensuring the grapes retained ample acidity to produce a wine of sumptuous grace.
581 is slightly less brooding on the pour than its sibling, but is still nearly impenetrable. The nose is a masterclass in mountain refinement: dark cherries and black currant pull you deep into the glass, revealing layers of bramble fruit, lovage, worn leather, and coffee grounds, all haloed by dried herbs and a brush of paprika. The palate marries dark fruit with medium+ acidity, delivering notes of black cherries and plum sauce interlaced with cocoa shavings, pepper flakes, and supple leather amidst plentiful velvety tannins. The finish is long, dry, and focused – dark fruit is lifted by barrel spice before vanilla and violets take over, trading waves ad infinitum.
