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National Cabernet Day is Thursday, September 2nd! In fact, this extraordinary varietal has been celebrated the Thursday before Labor Day for over a decade now. First created by northern California native and branding guru Rick Bakas, National Cabernet Day celebrates all things associated with this amazing varietal.

Based in the Napa Valley, Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate are fortunate enough to be located in one of the most popular Cabernet growing regions in the world. Not only do our Estate vines produce exquisite Cabernet, the sub-appellations surrounding us bear some of the finest fruit available. This gives us the opportunity to release world-class Cabernets that best reflect their terroir, and really show off the differences in soil and climate.

So for this year’s National Cabernet Day, we thought it’d be fun to take a tour of the appellations where Cultivar and Caspar’s grapes are grown and sourced. Pour a glass of your favorite Cab, and let’s take a virtual journey through the heart of Napa Valley!

The Vineyards of Caspar Estate

Caspar Estate is our 13-acre vineyard located in the hills above the Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley. Planted 600 feet above the fog line with an exposure 20 degrees off north, the vineyard sees sun from early morning until late afternoon. This ensures even ripeness of the grapes. Furthermore, cool nights help to develop firm tannins and fresh acidity, creating remarkable structure and balance in our Cabernet Sauvignon. Our rocky serpentine soils benefit from a mineral deposit rich in iron and magnesium. This distinctive mineral deposit provides layers of complexity and flavor to wines unique to our site.

Caspar Estate Cabernet has been earning accolades since its first release. From 92 Point scores from James Suckling to national press coverage of our winemaker, Julien Fayard, Caspar Estate Cabernet has been a favorite of fans and critics alike. Recently, we bottled the 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and will be offering it exclusively to our Allocation Members this October. If you love aged Cabernet, the Allocation is your way to obtain Caspar Estate wine dating back to our first release in 2009.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Caspar Estate Vineyard from 2019. Photo credit: Bob

Coombsville: A Perfect Cabernet Climate

Coombsville, the last appellation in Napa Valley to get its designation, is one of the most diverse AVAs in all the valley. A combination of both hillside and valley vineyards, the area has the unique combination of gravel soil, moderate temperatures, and a constant breeze off of San Pablo Bay.

We like to think of Coombsville as one of the “Goldilocks” AVAs of Napa Valley: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. The volcanic soil also hearkens to Cabernet’s Bordeaux roots, where dense, rocky soil help create both intensity and complexity of flavor. It’s also a combination of both valley floor and hillside vineyards, which allows for blending from different vineyard plots to create wines with character and balance.

We have sourced Cabernet Sauvignon from this acclaimed AVA twice now. First, back in 2012, which was arguably one of the top 3 vintages of the previous decade. More recently, we released our 2017 Cultivar Wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville Napa Valley. With only 150 cases available, it’s a small-lot release from a premiere vineyard property just off of Coombsville Road in the heart of the appellation. 18 months in barrel and another two years in the bottle have softened this wine up beautifully, making it light enough to sip on its own, yet bold enough to stand up to lamb stew or marinated tri-tip. Another five years in bottle will reveal even deeper complexity.

Every Day Is Cabernet Day In Oakville

Oakville is one of the most popular Cabernet growing regions in Napa Valley. Located directly in the center of Napa Valley. It covers a two-square-mile swath of the valley floor and then slopes up another 500 feet into Mayacamas bench and 1,000 feet up the Vaca Mountains to the east. It’s home to iconic vineyards like To-Kalon, and upscale wineries like Screaming Eagle and Opus One.

There are three types of soils that define the Oakville appellation. The breakdown of the various bedrock plates creates residual soils in the hills. Along the margins of the valley, distinct alluvial soils form on the fans, composed of material washed down from the adjoining hills during torrential rain events. Along the axial part of the valley where the Napa River flows are fluvial soils. This soil contains finer-grained loam coming from upstream locations and deposited from floodwaters.

It sounds like a lot of geography, but when it comes to Cabernet grapes, it’s absolute magic. That’s why we sourced fruit from this storied appellation for our 2018 Cultivar Wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley. Our fruit comes from a family-run vineyard located directly on the valley floor. They have a long legacy in Oakville and produce only 1,000 cases on their own. Lucky winemakers like us get the rest of the fruit. That said, we only got our hands on enough to make about 80 cases.

Our delicious Cabernet expresses both the characteristics of the 2018 Oakville vintage and the personality of its valley floor location. The dark purple color is surrounded by a gorgeous garnet ring, reflecting the 100% Cabernet fruit inside. Surprising yet delightful fragrances of earth, moss, mushroom, and bacon delight the nose. The flavor profile is signature Cabernet.

Cabernet Day On The Mountain At Leaky Lake Vineyard

Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon is the only vineyard-designate Cabernet that Cultivar Wine produces. To reach the vineyard, it takes a long trip up a winding, mountain road—often with just one lane. Once there, you’re greeted by 3.5 acres of slopes, swales, and hills, all covered with gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.

Cultivar Wine has been farming this land since 2007. That year, we replanted the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 191 and 337. These vines are known for good set along with small berry and cluster size. The clone is grafted to rootstock 101-14, which thrives in rocky conditions where water can be scarce. We have been using purely organic farming methods and techniques from the very beginning. The result is bold, powerful, and concentrated fruit, grown in a way that’s uniquely Cultivar. It’s the perfect fruit for Cabernet lovers who appreciate a sense of terroir and want to experience the development of a wine as it ages.

Cabernet’s Favorite Winemaker, Julien Fayard

To bring out the best in this fruit, we turned to our Caspar Estate and Cultivar Wine winemaker, Julien Fayard. “The cabernet we grow there is extraordinary,” Fayard says. “I say it rivals any of the mountain appellations in Napa—Howell Mountain or Diamond Peak—for boldness and character.” Fayard presses whole clusters of fruit for Cultivar’s Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon. He then transfers to 100% French oak for at least 24 months before bottling. “Even then, it’s good to allow the wine to develop in the bottle for another two years. This brings out the aromatics,” Fayard says.

That’s why the 2016 Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon is our latest vintage. The 2017 and 2018 are now in bottle, and we expect to release the 2017 later this year. If you haven’t purchased the 2016 yet, you may want to get some in your cellar before it’s gone. We only produce about 80 cases!

If you’re like us, you know that every day is a great day to celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re looking for the perfect bottle to celebrate, check out our full selection of Cabernets at our online store.

At Cultivar Wine, we’re driven to create the very best, small-batch, hand-crafted wines from the premier growing regions throughout the state. It’s our mission and our passion. So when we come up with something really special, we are thrilled to share it with you. That’s why this summer is so exciting. We’ve produced four extraordinary red wines that not only reflect the uniqueness of the vineyards they come from but are perfect for summer drinking.

2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River, Sonoma

If you’ve been drinking Cultivar Wine for a while now, you know that Pinot Noir is a recent obsession for us. We released our first Russian River Pinot Noir with the 2018 vintage, and are more excited than ever to offer our new 2019 vintage. Sourced from the same sustainably farmed vineyard as the 2018, this Pinot swirls with aromas of cherry, mushroom, earth, cola, mint, and eucalyptus. Subtlety is the key here, with raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate gently flowing across the palette. The wine’s youth is reflected in the caramel notes of the oak, but the soft and lingering tannins through the finish tell you this wine is ready to be one of the best red wines of summer.

Pair this wine with grilled salmon, lamb chops with rosemary, and all your favorite summer salads. Light pasta dishes with Roma tomatoes, capers and olive oil are perfect with this Pinot as well. 2019 will be remembered as a season where the threat of frost during spring held the grapes back a bit. But that only created a lighter sugar content and a brighter acid profile, making this Russian River Pinot Noir versatile and delicious.

2015 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino

Did we mention we’re currently obsessed with Pinot Noir? This is another little gem you can’t resist. The wine shows the hallmarks of great Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with equal parts lushness and beauty. Located about 100 miles north of San Francisco in Mendocino County, Anderson Valley is blessed with cool marine air, steep hills, and nearly-level alluvial terraces. This micro-climate and soil create perfect growing conditions for the thin-skinned pinot noir grape.

The first thing you notice about this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is its distinct, pale ruby hue. The intensity it brings on the nose is mesmerizing. Waves of black peppercorns and stewed plums that swirl with classic mushroom and forest aromas. Each sip reveals subtle yet complex layers of Rainer cherries, mulled wine spices, cherry pie, anise, and dates. The finish is defined by a vivid acid that tells you this wine is made to pair with dishes like flatbread pizza with caramelized onion & ham, teriyaki salmon, herbed meatballs, and truffled pasta with seasonal vegetables like zucchini & tomatoes harvested straight from your garden. We recommend you decant this bottle or use an aerator to discover even greater complexity.

2018 Zinfandel, Calistoga, Napa Valley

Our first bottling of Zinfandel,  Calistoga, the further-most appellation in Napa Valley, has long been prime Cabernet country. But we’ve always believed that the volcanic soil and often extreme temperature variations are perfect for Zinfandel. With a deep ruby color that borders on Blood Orange, our Zinfandel explodes with blueberry, muddled raspberry, chocolate, and lavender. It’s big fruit with a medium body and low viscosity. On the finish, the signature white pepper lingers, supported by delicate tannins and balanced acid.

Better still, 2018 was a near-perfect growing season that saw ideal weather conditions throughout the Calistoga AVA. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but still created plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun by day and cool marine influences by night, with virtually no major heat spikes. This was followed by extended fall sunshine that created ideal conditions that allowed the fruit to accumulate flavor complexity. Enjoy this wine with grilled burgers, salmon, mushroom risotto, or a creamy corn dish.

This 2018 Calistoga Zinfandel is another reason it’s great to be a member of the Cultivar Wine Club. We only made enough for our club members to enjoy, and quantities are extremely limited!

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley

Coombsville, the last appellation in Napa Valley to get its designation, is one of the most diverse AVAs in all the valley. A combination of both hillside and valley vineyards, the area has the unique combination of gravel soil, high temperatures, and a constant breeze off of San Pablo Bay. This brings a power and intensity to the Cabernets grown there that is unlike any other from Napa.

Our Coombsville Cabernet greets the nose with strawberry, dried roses, cardamom, and that signature gravel minerality. Soft and complex layers of plum, boysenberry, and licorice mingle with leather and tar on the mid-palate. This is followed by a lingering finish of subtle oak and fine tannins. 18 months in barrel and another two years in the bottle have softened this wine up beautifully. It’s light enough to sip on its own, yet bold enough to stand up to lamb stew or marinated tri-tip. Another five years in the bottle will reveal even deeper complexity.

If you’ve been looking for the best red wines of summer, look no further. Available at Cultivar SF by the glass or bottle Pick up a few of your favorites, or get a case and save an extra 10%. Let us know if you would like us to cold-pack your shipping!

Cheers!

Here’s a scenario that isn’t hard to picture: it’s hot outside, the day is long, and you’re thinking about that glass of wine you’ll have when work is done. With summertime heat blazing on you, is a deep, rich glass of Cabernet Sauvignon the best choice? Do you really want a glass of red wine on a hot summer day?

We say yes. And we know a lot of you do, too.

According to a recent YouGov study, red wine is the most popular among wine-drinking adults at 69%. And of the most popular varietals of red wine, it’s almost a tie, with Cabernet Sauvignon running neck-and-neck with Merlot at 18% and 19% respectively. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel also tie for second place, at 12% each. Moreover, this study included year-around drinking habits as well, demonstrating that Cabernet remains King. Even in the summer. So if you’re looking for the best way to enjoy Cabernet for the summer—and the best Cabs you can buy for the summer—we’ve got you covered.

Summer Red Wine Is Chill

You may also be surprised to learn that more than 36% of all red wine lovers enjoy their reds chilled. Indeed, collectors know that red wine ages best in a temperature-controlled environment, typically between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is not only best for storage, but for drinking. According to Wine Director Paola Embry of Christopher’s Restaurant, “a wine served above 66 degrees will have an impact on the overall structure of the wine such as acid, alcohol, and flavors. It will soften the structure of the wine, and the alcohol becomes significantly more noticeable.” This changes when the wine is chilled down to 55 to 60 degrees. “The flavors will become focused, the alcohol will not be as evident, and the structure will be tighter.”

This focus as a result of chilling wine is most evident in our 2018 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley. A valley-floor Cabernet from a warmer-than-usual growing season. As such, a slightly lower temperature helps to bring out subtleties that may be masked by alcohol during the wine’s younger years.

Older Is Better For Summer Cabernets

Another characteristic that makes Cabernet the best red wine for summer is bottle aging. Aging allows wine to coalesce and become more balanced and integrated. For Cabernets, this results in a softening of the wine, especially with the tannins. Tannins are astringent compounds derived from both the grape and the oak barrel in which the wine is aged. Given time, these compounds soften, which allows different aromas and flavors to emerge.

At Cultivar Wine, we often allow our Cabernets to age in bottle for several years before we release them. Our 2016 Leaky Lake Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of this. With two years in the barrel and now another three years in the bottle, this wine is a marriage between boldness and finesse. The same holds true for our Caspar Estate wines. Our Caspar Estate library contains smooth, elegant vintages dating all the way back to 2008.

Another fun way to enjoy a beautifully aged Cabernets from Cultivar Wine is with a large format bottle, like a Magnum, Double Magnum, or even bigger. Large bottles are made with thicker, heavier glass, which helps protect wine from its worst enemies: heat, light, and travel-related vibrations. They’re also perfect for parties and backyard barbecues, like your upcoming 4th of July celebration.

Food & Wine: The Best Thing About Red Wine For Summer

Perhaps the most obvious reason why Cabernet is the perfect summer red wine of choice is that summer is grilling season. Whether it’s 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just a Tuesday night in August, summer means steaks, fish, and veggies on the grill. Cabernet is the perfect pairing for ribeyes, lamb chops, pork loin, and even salmon. Love sauces like chimichurri? Love a good Korean BBQ glaze? That means it’s Cabernet time.

Here’s one of our favorite recipes for The Perfect Grilled Hamburger. The technique here is what makes this recipe incredible. And if it’s grilled, of course, it comes from Bobby Flay!

Cheers!

In just the last few months, Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate have captured the attention of an impressive array of wine critics and competitions alike.

Wine Enthusiast Critic Virginie Boone Raves For Caspar Estate

In the June 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast, veteran wine critic Virginie Boone awarded 92 Points to the 2016 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Calling it “a robustly intense and brooding wine,” Ms. Boone recognized the complex characteristics of our Estate Cabernet in her review.

But this isn’t the first time we’ve been recognized by Wine Enthusiast. The respected wine journal also awarded Cultivar Wine’s 2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir with 90 Points and both the 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet with 91 Points. Caspar Estate has recently had other Enthusiast recognitions as well. Our 2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc was also awarded 91 Points by Ms. Boone.

Sommeliers Choice Awards: The Wine Critics of All Wine Critics

There are hundreds of wine competitions nationwide each year, and many international ones as well. One of our favorite wine competitions is the Sommeliers Choice Awards. The judging panel consists entirely of top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers, and wine directors at U.S. restaurants. These are the influencers and taste-makers of the wine world, so their opinion means a lot.

In 2021, the Cultivar Wine 2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was awarded 91 Points and a Gold Medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Tasting Panel Magazine: Wine Critics & Tastemakers

Another magazine that’s widely respected throughout the wine industry is Tasting Panel. In the June 2021 edition,  Jody Harris and Gingy Gable were profiled for their experience in dealing with the pandemic from both an on-premise and off-premise perspective. As owners of a winery and a restaurant (Cultivar SF), they have a unique insight into how customer attitudes and habits changed during COVID. The feature in Tasting Panel offers an interesting perspective on what will happen to fine dining as well as wine consumption now that restrictions are being lifted.

You can read the full article here.

The Best Critic Is Always You

At Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate, we know that the critic we want to please the most is you, our valued customer. We appreciate how our customers have followed us vintage after vintage, taking the time to experience the characteristics each new season brings to our wine. Thanks for being part of the family!

Nestled 1,000 feet up in the hills above Napa Valley, is an extraordinary 3.5-acre plot of land known as the Leaky Lake Vineyard. Framed by a small but picturesque lake, this vineyard has been producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes the Napa Valley has to offer. So fine, in fact, that Cultivar Wine has sourced this vineyard exclusively for the past decade for our only single-vineyard designate wine: The Cultivar Wine Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.

What makes this vineyard so special? Like most of the terroir in Napa Valley, it’s a combination of the soil, the weather, and even the people.

Leaky Lake Vineyard Terroir

To say that the Leaky Lake Vineyard produces “mountain fruit” would be an understatement. It takes a long trip up a winding, mountain road—often with just one lane—just to reach the vineyard. Once there, you’re greeted by 3.5 acres of slopes, swales, and hills, all covered with gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.

The soil is a rugged mix of clay loam and iron deposits, a direct result of the tectonic forces that created the Mayacamas Mountain range. Part of the plot faces directly west, which means it gets direct sunlight for a good portion of the day. The north-facing portion of the vineyard is subject to the cool winds that blow across the mountaintop at night.

Farming Cabernet Sauvignon at The Leaky Lake Vineyard

Leaky Lake was originally planted decades ago. It’s a small vineyard that’s just up the hill from Caspar Estate.

Cultivar Wine has been farming this land since 2007, when we replanted the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 191 and 337, which is known for good set along with small berry and cluster size. This clone was grafted to rootstock 101-14, which thrives in rocky conditions where water can be scarce. We have been using purely organic farming methods and techniques from the very beginning. The result is bold, powerful, and concentrated fruit, grown in a way that’s uniquely Cultivar. It’s the perfect fruit for Cabernet lovers who appreciate a sense of terroir and want to experience the development of a wine as it ages. And in order to bring out that quality the best we can, we turned to an expert winemaker.

Julien Fayard Brings Bordeaux Finesse to Napa

You may already know that Julien Fayard, one of the most renowned winemakers in Napa Valley, is the genius behind our Caspar Estate wines. But when Julien got a look at the Leaky Lake Vineyard and sampled the unique fruit we grow there, he wanted to be a part of the project.

“The cabernet we grow there is extraordinary,” Fayard says. “I saw it rivals any of the mountain appellations in Napa—Howell Mountain or Diamond Peak—for boldness and character.”

Fayard presses whole clusters of fruit for Cultivar’s Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon. He then transfers to 100% French oak for at least 24 months before bottling. “Even then, it’s good to allow the wine to develop in the bottle for another two years, just to bring out the aromatics,” Fayard says.

This is one reason why the 2016 Leaky Lake Cabernet is our newest release. And at a mere 90 cases, it’s one of our most limited releases as well.

Cabernet For Summer? Definitely Yes

You typically don’t think about lush, opulent Cabernets when it comes to summertime wines. But you should! Our idea of a great summer weekend is rib eyes and roasted vegetables on the grill. If you’re the same, then you need a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon to complement that.

In fact, we typically release our Leaky Lake Cabernet just in time for summer, because that’s when grilling season reaches its peak. “Seared meats are especially wonderful with this wine,” says Fayard.

The Leaky Lake Vineyard is one of those small-lot vineyards that make Napa so special. It has its own unique character—a character that we have had a hand in creating. It’s no wonder why Cultivar Wine has been using this vineyard exclusively to produce our only vineyard-designate wine. We invite you to try the Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon and taste for yourself!