2015 Round Pond Estate Kith and Kin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (1.5 L) Magnum

Magnums From a Prolific 100-Point Vintner

If you don’t know the name Thomas Rivers Brown (or “TRB” as he’s known in wine country), know this: His fingerprints cover no less than 25 wines bearing perfect 100-point scores. This track record usually bumps the price of his handiwork to triple digits. Not today. The 2015 Round Pond Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon finds TRB transforming grapes primarily sourced from the property’s Caymus-adjacent Rutherford vines into a complex expression of robust fruit and elegant balance, perfectly interpreting a vintage James Suckling said, “sets apart the most capable winemakers.” 

Celebrated author and Wall Street Journal’s wine columnist Jay McInerney calls Thomas Rivers Brown “the most successful winemaker in California.” The charmingly humble South Carolina native has literally made more 100-point wines than he can remember—he loses track after 25. His influence as Round Pound’s consulting winemaker is present in every wine he touches, but it’s not the only reason why these wines are remarkable.

The estate’s location is prime Rutherford real estate, and its sacred soil also provides life to neighbors like Napa standard-bearer Caymus and cult favorite Staglin. This combination of talent and terroir hasn’t gone unnoticed: Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate all have heaped praise on the last four vintages of Kith & Kin. One sip of 2015’s vintage justifies the love. Bold and balanced, with a ribbon of acidity that acts as a liaison between bright fruit and dark undertones, it’s a brilliant expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that we consider one of Napa’s truest overperformers.

In the early days of Round Pond, founder Bob MacDonnell was known as “Lucky Bob” for the good fortune that seemed to gild every one of his decisions: He bought 20 acres of land atop Pritchard Hill before the now-prestigious area was on the map. He then experienced success digging a well—something that had eluded every other vintner on the notoriously dry hill. Finally, in 1986, he had the opportunity to purchase a 250-acre rock-strewn property with fairly deep clay-filled soils in Rutherford. Lucky Bob pulled the trigger, and found himself with Andy Beckstoffer’s prized Georges III Vineyard (the core of BV’s famous Georges de Latour Reserve) on one side of his new property, and Caymus on the other.

Tapping TRB as consulting winemaker, however, is a clear example of making your own luck. His credentials accompany few wines, let alone mind-bending value gems like Kith & Kin. They’re especially highlighted in 2015, where earlier-than-usual bud break and cooler conditions produced a smaller crop. These lower yields were no match for Brown’s mastery, and his gentle guidance of hand-harvested fruit produces a gorgeous Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that leaves its humble price in the dust.