2017 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley 750 ml

When we were starting out in this business, most of our discoveries were exciting ones like these—cases where a Napa local had access to incredible grapes, but in quantities too small to scale a brand or attract the attention of journalists. Today, 15 years later, it’s still our favorite kind of discovery, because brands like Heir Apparent provide an intersection of terroir and value like none other.

We discovered Heir Apparent when an assistant vineyard manager poured it at a small birthday dinner for a Napa native. They made just 294 cases of this Cabernet, and when we realized what a rarity we had on our hands, we drove a hard bargain to make this a really easy decision for you. 

Rich, full, and robust, with enveloping aromatics of black currant, pipe tobacco, graphite, and Madagascar vanilla, the velvety tannins are as fine and dusty as the dark fruit core is juicy and seductive. Sourced from a handful of blocks across Rutherford and Atlas Peak, this would fare extremely well in a blind tasting against some of Napa’s most famous Cabs.

That’s part of what makes the 2017 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve—a stunning, Rutherford-based beauty—such an exciting find for us. It’s a wine that seems to have come out of old-school Napa, produced with a think-local mentality and nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic, while being magnificently New World in every sense of the phrase.

We’re not at liberty to share the names of the vineyards Heir Apparent sourced for this Cabernet, but by looking at a map, you can get a sense of the truly impressive terroir they’re tapping. Located in Rutherford, the winery is in close proximity to iconic properties like Scarecrow, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Inglenook. Most of the wine was sourced from this area, infusing this Cabernet with classic Rutherford dust components. A dollop of Atlas Peak grapes stiffens the spine with mountain fruit concentration, setting it up for a long life in the cellar.

Lovers of rich, decadent Napa Cabernets that typically command price tags of $100 or more should absolutely stock up on this classic expression that’s drinking incredibly well now and is ready to rest in your cellar for 10-15 years.

The 24 months in French oak barrels is revealed in the vanilla-layered palate and long, lingering finish, kissed with smoke and allspice. We wanted this wine badly, but at the right price. Over a bottle of this Cabernet, we made the best kind of handshake deal and we’re passing the value on to you, while our cases last.