2019 Appliqué Red Wine Napa Valley 750 ml

A marvelous stroke of luck was the key to landing this coup. The historic winery behind this cashmere-soft red—called “one of the old, iconic Napa wineries” by Robert Parker—reached out to us to strike a deal. Ownership had recently changed, and new construction in the cellars meant they needed to create space and move a few barrels quickly.

It was the perfect opportunity for Appliqué—which means “to apply one piece over another.” They shipped us the bottles and we slapped our labels on. 

The estate, which of course we can’t name, has been referred to by Robert Parker as a pioneer of Howell Mountain, and Vinous founder Antonio Galloni has noted that they’ve hit a glorious stride in the past few years. It’s a winery at which some of the most legendary winemakers in Napa Valley—including two stars who put the region on the world map—cut their teeth. 

We winced a little when we responded to the winery’s proposal with aggressive terms that would net our buyers the type of deal that’s almost never seen in Napa. Instead of the expected pushback, we got a reply asking when we could pick the juice up—time was of the essence on their end, and that translated into one of the more memorable exclusives from Howell Mountain that we’ve ever landed.

Fresh out of the cellar after 20 months in 25% new French oak and additional aging in bottle, it wowed some of our favorite wine tasters—a few sommeliers, winemakers, and even a tattoo-covered, MICHELIN-star-winning pastry chef—and we’re sure you’ll be there with them.