Promise Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

As a former television executive in Hollywood, Promise founder Stephen McPherson is no stranger to bringing dreams to life.? Promise is the incarnation of a long-held pledge to his wife that one day, he would embrace his desire to join the wine industry and craft wines of the caliber they both so cherished enjoying together.? From their first date when the two quipped about wine over an issue of Wine Spectator to their wedding day almost 16 years ago when Jennifer made Stephen promise he would one day pursue the wine industry, this beloved beverage has been a centerpiece for their relationship, but even more importantly, it symbolizes the pursuit of living a rich life and embracing one's passions.

Stephen was never too far from Napa Valley, even while immersed in his high-powered career with ABC Entertainment.? At every opportunity, he visited the vineyards and wineries that most piqued his interest, striking up friendships and mentorships with the proprietors.? He found it remarkable how the community readily shared knowledge and experience, eager to open their homes (and, of course, bottles) and spark up a conversation about wine. ?Finally, in 2004, Stephen cold-called vintner Rich Frank (of Frank Family Wines) with the request to purchase Cabernet for a new label he was launching.? At the time, the two didn't know each other, despite both coming from Hollywood backgrounds, but they quickly bonded, and Rich granted Stephen a single block from his Rutherford vineyard to start Promise.? This Winston Vineyard Cabernet was Promise's fruit source for the subsequent ten vintages, after which point Stephen transitioned to a new winemaker, new winemaking facility, and new vineyard sources.

Working alongside Stephen in bringing his wine dreams to fruition is Kirk Venge, a Napa native whose name has become synonymous with rich, bold, extravagant wines. ?Growing up in Rutherford, in the heart of Napa Valley, some of Kirk's earliest memories are of helping his father, Nils (another Napa Valley winemaking legend), with basket-pressing Cabernet and operating the pump switch on late-night barrel-racking projects. ?Kirk pursued a degree in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, and has since produced some of the most well-regarded Napa wines, including Macauley, Hunnicutt, B Cellars, Bacio Divino, and his label, Venge Family Vineyards.? Nils Venge was one of Stephen's first confidantes as he entered the wine industry, which meant selecting Kirk to craft the Promise wines felt like a sure-fire success.

Hailing from the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak, the 2021 Promise Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cab aged in 100% new French oak for 30 months.? The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered, built to last with a strong, structured, tannic backbone and a clear streak of acidity running through the palate.? Despite this concentration and intensity, the nose is surprisingly expressive in its youth, with highlights of black plum, cedar, and cassis that meld into whispers of crushed violets, cardamom, and nutmeg.? The first sips from the glass remind us of a warm berry compote and cherry liqueur, dusted with hints of cocoa powder and stewed tomato.? You'll delight in auditioning this bottle now by enjoying it with friends and family, and thank yourself in the future for cellaring away a few more.