2019 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 750 ml

Wine Enthusiast’s May 2023 issue contains a tidbit of information that many readers might miss—one that confirms 2019 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is one of the greatest Cabernet deals we’ve offered here at Wine Access.

This bottle, from a winery that has long supplied grapes to Alexander Valley icons like Jordan, will be on the receiving end of a 95 point-score and Enthusiast Editors’ Choice honors. That means Stuhlmuller will boast the highest rating of any 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley—topping $150 Aperture, $200 Medlock Ames, and a slew of other heavy hitters. 

Owner Fritz Stuhlmuller still sells a significant portion of his fruit but keeps the best share for his winery, and he’s picky: Only the top 7% of his grapes made it into this wine in 2019.

That year, Zac Childers—who earned his stripes at Torbreck, Alderbrook, and J Vineyard—was promoted to head winemaker. He carefully vinified the 2019 in small lots, employing seven different fermenters and using only native yeast, then assembled the final blend from those lots.

The wine is showing beautifully right now: Blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and raw cocoa notes lift from the glass initially, followed by an interplay of earthy soil, dried violet, and crushed bay leaf. It’s rich and satisfying yet balanced on the palate, with spicy oak tones playing a supporting role to the concentrated fruit.

Alexander Valley Cabernet is as essential to the American steakhouse as the steak itself, so if you’re like us—the head chef of your own at-home chophouse—you’ve found your house Cab.