2022 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

“Now,” said Jean-Charles Boisset as he pushed aside the Champagne and $100+ Burgundies on the table, put down fresh glasses, and poured his 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. “Try this.” 

Boisset, who hails from Burgundy, is a flamboyant superstar vintner with an immigrant’s love of Napa. He even lives in Robert Mondavi’s custom-built former home. He brought Napa Cabernet icon Raymond back to glory, and recently bought the landmark 142-year-old Oakville Grocery, turning the Victorian next door into a museum celebrating Napa Valley’s pioneers. 

It was at Oakville Grocery—which sits across from the To Kalon Vineyard and practically in Opus One’s front yard—that JCB first shared his 1881 Cabernet with us. “People can find Napa Valley wines anywhere,” he said, “so when they come to this place, we want to give them something they cannot experience anywhere else.” He poured the dark-ruby liquid, then swirled his glass and inhaled deeply. “We want to give them something they’ll never forget.” 

The 2022 1881 Cabernet hails from JCB’s limitless sources in the mountain AVAs and on the Valley floor, made under the eye of 100-point consulting winemaker Philippe Melka along with Raymond’s Stephanie Putnam. It was meant to be served and sold at JCB’s tasting room at the intersection of Highway 29 and Oakville Cross. 

Bursting with dark plum and ripe blueberry swathed in spice, cocoa nibs, and cedar, this Cabernet is generous and full, with rich tannins that melt over a long finish. Showing polish and spice from a full year in 40% new French oak, it’s the kind of Cabernet that made Napa famous.