William Knuttel Sage Canyon Ranch Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Top critic Antonio Galloni calls Napa’s 2013 vintage “a modern-day classic” that’s going to go down in history as “one of the all-time great vintages for Napa Valley.”

So when our old friend Bill Knuttel (ex-Saintsbury and Chalk Hill genius) offered up his premium gem from one of Napa's top single vineyards, we took all we could – and we cannot wait for you to taste it.

Tucked away on the eastern side of the Rutherford district, Sage Canyon Ranch features a crazy patchwork quilt of vineyards that are perched on some very steep hillsides. The soils here are rocky and dry, which forces the vine to produce tight, compact clusters of very small grapes – factors that add serious flavor concentration. And thanks to the outstanding vintage, Bill was able to hold out harvesting until October 20, which gave the grapes extra time to ripen to absolute perfection.

After a (very careful) hand harvest, the grapes were brought back to the winery. Aged 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels and bottled without fining (for maximum flavor impact), this may be one of Bill’s most luxurious Cab creations yet – and it comes sporting a prestigious gold medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Look forward to aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis and black cherry, all framed by a well-integrated backbone of spicy oak. Full-bodied and filled with intense cherry and cassis flavors, this is beautifully balanced (Bill’s trademark) with velvety-smooth tannins. Already drinking deliciously now, it will reward another eight to 10 years of cellar time.

Very limited availability – Cab fans, order soon.