Courtney Benham’s Napa Cab draws on vineyards whose fruit goes into bottles that usually command three-digits—necessitating some pretty strict NDAs—but, incredibly, runs for well under $20. Born of a partnership between Benham and 100-point winemaker Keith Emerson, the 2020 version is an amazing value that drinks like a wine several times its price.
Dark, dense ruby color. A lifted and elegant nose of crushed black cherries, wild raspberries, cassis, pencil lead, and mountain herbs. Polished and powerful on the palate, with sun-ripened mixed berries accented by black tea, pipe tobacco, and vanilla. The texture is luxurious, comparable to that of a wine several times the price. The palate is robust, with soft, persistent tannins and a silky finish marked by lingering flavors of sweet spice and espresso. Drink now–2029.