Brilliant Mistake Georges III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

We knew from the very first vintage, just a few years ago, that this newly launched project had the 'it factor' and would skyrocket to a stratosphere of cult standing.  In just its third vintage and first time at the Napa Valley Vintners' Premiere Auction, their five-case lot of the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon sold for $30,000 ($500/bottle!!!), a lofty feat for such an unknown brand at the time, but deservedly so.  Since then, these wines have continued to sell out soon after they are released, leaving many people sadly without.  Bringing these treasures to the cellars of our Apex members is a true treat, and today, we present the 2021 Brilliant Mistake Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon.

This micro-production project was started in 2013 by John & Stacy Reinert with winemaker extraordinaire Maayan Koschitzky, Director of Winemaking for Atelier Melka (Philippe Melka’s consulting business producing some of Napa Valley’s greatest wines: Dana Estates, Tusk, Brand, Alejandro Bulgheroni to name a few) and formerly of Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle.  This dream team has knocked it out of the park with every vintage, and their 2021 Georges III Cabernet is no exception.

Lying a mere 10-minute drive south of ACME in the heart of Rutherford, historical archives attest that the vineyard was most likely first planted by Mrs. Thomas Rutherford herself in 1895. But the vineyard received its real renown after being purchased by Beaulieu Vineyards’ founder Georges de Latour in 1928. With winemaker Andre Tchelitscheff in the cellar, BV’s Rutherford Cabernets from Georges III arguably helped put Napa Valley wines on the map back in the 1960s.  In 1988, Andy Beckstoffer purchased the property and has stewarded the land ever since by re-planting many of the vineyards and securing a land conservation easement for 181 of the acres to prevent non-agricultural development.  To John and Stacy’s delight, Andy granted Brilliant Mistake a fruit contract from a portion of the historic block in Georges III.

Maayan selected an aging regimen of 80% new French oak and 20% one-use French oak barrels for the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine showcases the best of Rutherford’s stylistic tendencies with lush fruit aromatics and velvety, fine-grained tannins.   Layered scents of just-picked blackberries, roasted coffee beans, and black currants fill the nose and proceed to flavors on the palate of crushed violet, suede, and cocoa powder.  A clean line of acidity upholds the beautifully integrated, rounded tannins with a long, impactful finish.  Only 100 cases produced!