Arns Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013

If Napa Cabernet strikes your fancy, you'll want to indulge in this very special, small-production project.  It is from the partnership of the coolest lady in the biz, Sandi Belcher, and her talented husband, John Arns. Sandi made the wines up at Long Vineyards for 27 years. She also was on the winemaking teams at Chateau Montelena and Heitz Cellars (remember the heralded '74 Martha's Vineyard that shook the global wine world?) She is a renowned leader, innovator, and all-around delightful human being in this valley, and her wines have always reflected her passion and care. Under the Arns label, Sandi and her partner-in-crime, John, source fruit from their 180-acre, lower Howell Mountain property, 10 acres of which is planted with grapes. Their neighbors, the Ecotone and Herb Lamb Vineyards, are just above Meadowood Resort. We consider this tiny corner the best “non-AVA sub-AVA” in Napa Valley. It’s not Saint Helena, not quite Howell Mountain, but home to some of the most impressive Cabs in this entire hemisphere.

In the glass, the power and energy of Arns are evident, as are the classic flavors of chocolate, cherries, anise, and cigar. Layers of spices open up in the glass and offer balance to a beautifully solid, mouth-filling wine.