The Inaugural R Collection by Raymond Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

“Jean-Charles Boisset seems to be pulling out all the stops to create something very special with these wines.”

That’s serious praise from top critic Robert Parker for Jean-Charles, the dynamic owner of Raymond Vineyards, which is “one of the iconic wineries of Napa” (Parker again) and was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2012 American Winery of the Year. Well-deserved titles – and just a sip of this lovely Cab will prove it.

Made with premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from top-sited vineyards throughout the Central Coast, The Inaugural was crafted by Raymond’s Cab ace, Stephanie Putnam – former star winemaker at Far Niente (the famous Napa estate whose Cabs fetch hundreds of dollars a bottle). It also has a lengthy list of top gold-medal wins (including a double gold for this 2017 from the New Orleans International Wine Awards). Makes for a fine centerpiece at your next dinner party – pair it with steak, leg of lamb, beef stew, and more.

As you pour for your guests, you can tell them this wine hails from California’s fantastic 2017 vintage, the latest phenomenal harvest in The Golden State’s Golden Age of wine. Look for a ripe core of cherry and plum, notes of white pepper and a l-o-n-g, smooth finish.