Give The Wedding Gift That Only Gets Better With Age: The Perfect Napa Cabernet
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Smith-Madrone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 [SRP $65] - The property was first planted in 1972, a magical year that birthed many pioneering wineries in the Napa Valley. The Smith brothers, Stuart and Charles, made the early decision to dry-farm their vineyards on Spring Mountain. The soils are mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, part of the Aiken, Kidd, Forward complex of soils which are volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. Ideal for making mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with a unique character. The name immortalizes their last name, as well as the famous Madrone tree found all over the 200 acre ranch - home to black bears, hawks, and enormous 120-year-old Picholine olive trees in this hilltop sanctuary. With its approachable price, this is an ideal Napa Cab to gift the newlyweds two bottles, and encourage them to pop on their 1st AND 2nd anniversary! smithmadrone.com
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Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Lot C-91 2018 [SRP $120] - An ICON. Lot C-91 continues to embody the legacy of Heitz Cellar and the vision for this wine that began in 1969. It was that fall Joe Heitz had the idea, that through meticulous site selection and assemblage, something could be created more significant than the sum of its brilliant parts. Sourced from single vineyards, each parcel is handled separately to allow the terroir and essence of site to express itself. Winemaker Brittany Sherwood then selects only the most expressive barrels to make the final cuvée, and continue the long legacy of Lot C-91. You can confidently recommend the couple wait to open this special bottling until their 15th or 20th anniversary. heitzcellar.com
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Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 [SRP $125] - With estate vineyards in the Mount Veeder and Napa Valley AVAs, Darioush strives for seamlessness in every signature bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon they produce. 2019 was hailed at the vintage of the decade for the winery. Director of Winemaking Hope Goldie's fingerprint is all over the refinement, concentration, and freshness found in the estate’s flagship wine. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged 22 month in 85% new French oak barrels. Enjoy within 10 years to preserve freshness and opulence of fruit. Give it a few more years of bottle aging to allow tertiary characteristics to emerge. We all know being patient can be difficult, so this would make a perfect 7th anniversary bottle, paired with grilled lamb chops or a dry-aged ribeye steak. darioush.com
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Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 [SRP $150] - Named for the scientific study of the geology that defines and gives structure to soil, Lithology is the quintessential pick to pop for a 10th or 15th anniversary! Napa Valley possesses one of the most diverse and complex patchwork of soils on earth, allowing winemakers lots of room for artistic expression. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, and was aged 22 months in 61% new French oak. What stands out the most is an herbaceousness showing licorice, fennel, and sage, fresh black olive tapenade like we're in the South of France, which gives way to a mouthwatering salinity with fine tannins that linger until the next sip. Mr. Alejandro Bulgheroni brought Lithology to life by hiring renowned winemakers, Philippe Melka, Maayan Koschitzky, and Matt Sands. Teaming them with blended with consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, the Estate produces some of the most ambitious wines in all of Napa Valley. lithology.wine
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VHR, Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 [SRP $275] - This magical property is situated in Oakville, where well-drained soil and a temperate climate influence the perfect alignment the seven-block vineyard. Tucked along the treelined hills of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the gravelly soils produce wines of power, intrigue, and elegance. Farmed since 1884, the Phillips Family purchased the ranch in the late 1970s and have continued a mindset of conservation while elevating the product of the land. Françoise Peschon is the winemaker since 2008, working at the Araujo Estate prior. She and vineyard manager Michael Wolf collaborate brilliantly to show the terroir in every bottle of Vine Hill Ranch. Whether this is opened on a 5th or 15th anniversary, it'll be an unforgettable experience for the recipients. vinehillranch.com
