The New Cult Cabs Are from Wineries You’ve Never Heard Of
Get in on the ground floor of collectible wines with these bottlings from exceptional producers.
When it comes to cult Cabernet Sauvignon and other high-end juice from Napa Valley, “bargain” is a relative term—with bottlings from Screaming Eagle and Sine Qua Non topping $1,000. Fortunately for anyone looking for a cellar-worthy, special occasion-ready bottle, a handful of wineries in the region are making exceptional Cabernet and other varietals sourced from stellar vineyards at a fraction of the price of the better-known brands.
While the prices by no means take them into daily drinker territory, these wines are exquisite enough for cellaring. Be sure to sign up for their mailing lists to be one of the first to know when the bottles drop. (And keep scrolling for three new spots to taste the best that Napa Valley has to offer!)
Five Bottles to Know Now
1 /5Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk, courtesy of Bella Oaks
Bella Oaks
Preservationist Suzanne Deal Booth in 2010 reinvigorated the vineyard where the Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks wines of the ’70s and ’80s were grown. To do so, she tapped David Abreu, Michel Rolland, and Aussie cult-Cab winemaker Nigel Kinsman. They only make one wine, so get on the list for the 2019 releases this fall.
Bottle to Buy
2019 Bella Oaks Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, $295
2 /5Courtesy of Stalworth
Stalworth
Second-generation vintners Tim and Sabrina Persson overcame several cellar-destroying natural disasters to produce Stalworth. It’s made by winemaker Celia Welch, whose name has become synonymous over the last 30 years with some of the most acclaimed wines in Napa Valley, including Staglin and Scarecrow.
Bottle to Buy
2019 Stalworth Cabernet Sauvignon, $250
3 /5Courtesy of Pas de Cheval
Pas de Cheval
Napa winemaker Maayan Koschitzky (whose day job is crafting cult Cabs at Atelier Melka) and Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin (who selects wines for the Sunset Wine Club!) teamed up to produce three expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Get on the list to experience their 2019 debut vintages.
Bottle to Buy
2019 Pas de Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon Intermezzo St. Helena, $250
4 /5Courtesy of Impensata
Impensata
Another new brand by Kinsman that debuted in 2022 is Impensata. Merlot is the star, and this is the only Merlot produced from the legendary Ecotone Vineyard (formerly Abreu’s Thorevilos Vineyard), located just below Howell Mountain.
Bottle to Buy
2018 Impensata Merlot, Napa Valley, $325
5 /5Courtesy of Vice Versa
Vice Versa Mysterons
This opulent and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from proprietor Patrice Breton and winemakers Maayan Koschitzky and Philippe Melka is made from a blend of grapes from hillside vineyards in Calistoga and St. Helena.
Three new and notable Napa tasting rooms level up the options for top-shelf vinous experiences in the valley.
Brendel Tasting Room
Hardy Wilson
Clif Family Winery’s sleek private Enoteca offers small groups an array of food and wine pairing menus, all served with views of the Mayacamas Mountains. Make a reservation ahead of time at cliffamily.com.
The Salon at Heitz Cellar is located at the pioneering winery’s original St. Helena property and offers tasting flights, ample indoor and outdoor seating, and a side of history for guests looking for the long view on the valley. Make reservations in advance at heitzcellar.com.
For loungey, kick-back vibes and organic and biodynamically farmed wines plus small bites, visit Brendel’s modernist tasting room in downtown Napa.