About the Wine

Value is a word that's been absent from the discussion of quality Napa Cabs for some time, especially in these inflationary times. That's why we're exuberant to share with you the Cerro Cab on offer today.

J. Derek Beitler, winemaker and owner of JDB Wines (and maker of this Napa Cab) comes from a winemaking family that’s as well regarded as any in Napa. You may have heard of his uncle, Charlie Wagner, founder of Caymus. His brother owns Bohème in Sonoma.

Derek does not rest on the successes of his family, though. He spent his summers working at Caymus while in college and continues the pursuit of perfection in crafting his namesake wines. He now owns two wineries—Carne Humana Winery in Napa which he founded with his cousin Joey Wagner in 2010. But before that, he started his solo venture, JDB Wines, in 2007.

When someone who cut his teeth in the wine business at Caymus makes a Napa Cab, you pay attention. That’s a good thing because the Cerro Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley deserves your attention. It comes from a vineyard situated along the northern edge of the Oak Knoll District (covered by an NDA because other wines from here sell for $250+). Located in the southern part of Napa, the cooling effect from the San Pablo Bay keeps the climate temperate, creating a fresh, restrained profile on the Cerro Cabernet Sauvignon, which we found refreshing and zippy. What shines through is elevated red fruit accompanied by a lower ABV. The Cabernet is blended with a wee bit of Petit Verdot (just 5%) to add graceful tannins and compound the depth of flavor.

This wine is one of the greatest values in Napa Cab available today and it’s from the 2019 vintage that Bloomberg declared “near perfect.” Derek Beitler’s star is on the rise, and his wines—particularly this Napa Cab—will not remain at this amazingly low price for much longer. Derek produced just 180 cases, and we have secured a significant portion of that for BHW clients like you. Don't graze or wander. Jump on this micro-production wine ASAP.

Aging: 40% new French oak barrels

Tasting Notes: On the nose, there are unmistakable Napa Cab notes of blueberries, rhubarb, cherries, and vanilla on the nose. A healthy dose of oak provides backbone, cinnamon, and toast. The blue fruits come out on the palate along with plums and coffee and comforting savories. Serve after chilling in the refrigerator for 15 minutes and revel as it unfolds in the glass.

Reviews

~95 Beverage Testing Institute

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