2022 Karo-Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

Let’s just put it this way: If we told you the name or location of the vineyard behind today’s NDA-protected wine, there would be no mystery about its world-class winery source.

That’s because this vineyard is synonymous with the winery. It’s what makes their Cabernet so special. The prime site has been in the family for decades upon decades, and when the current generation looked around at the Napa market, they realized they ought to be making and bottling their own wines. Now this label has a devoted mailing list that pays a pretty penny for the privilege of stocking their cellars with these powerhouse Cabernets. 

But the family behind the winery knows that staying exclusive is key to their appeal, and they need to keep production small to make sure that their wines are scarce. It’s the kind of luxury mentality that’s made them a status symbol among a certain set of Napa connoisseurs.

We’ve been after them for years for our NDA program. We knew it would take a vintage with above-average yields and a GM in a sunny mood—and this year, it all fell into place. Walking their prize vineyard before cutting the deal, we couldn’t stop smiling. We were in the beating heart of Rutherford—not far from where Inglenook made historic Cabernet from the 40s, 50s, and 60s—taking in a site that was clearly hand-tended in a way that was rare even for this high-dollar neighborhood. In all the excitement, we jotted down a price that looked like it couldn’t possibly be correct.  

It wasn’t until we exchanged follow-up emails—and the doorstop of an NDA arrived—that we realized this wine was actually happening. What a score.