has a wonderfu ly intense, bri liant ruby red colour. Even in this very favourable vintage, it stands out for its unmistakable elegance and intriguing complexity. The bouquet opens with floral notes fo lowed by fruity sensations that reca l sma l red and black fruits. Tertiary and spicy aromas fo low, such as liquorice, nutmeg, green tea leaves and coffee beans. The tannic structure is refined and dense, with a mineral quality that envelops the palate and stands out for its harmony. The finish is long and persistent.

The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has tasting notes of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry fruit, along with cedar, baking spice, and tobacco from its American oak aging. It is described as full-bodied, plush, and structured with muscular yet elegant tannins, leading to a long and balanced finish with hints of anise or pepper.

Rocche dell’Annunziata is the Barolo Riserva of the Scavino family. An historical, prestigious “grand cru” from La Morra village purchased in 1990. Rocche dell’Annunziata is all about finesse, details, weightless elegance. It’s a symphony of ethereal aromas with harmonic motions. Rose petals, violet, lilac, tar, sweet red cherries, mint, minerals are some of the hallmarks of this beautiful cru. In the texture silk veils, layers that overlap with extraordinary grace yet offering intensity.

Ontogeny is a crowd pleaser year after year. This year’s blend is exceptional! Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the Tench Vineyard. Complementing it are Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Sugarloaf vineyard, along with Petit Verdot from True Dog Vineyard. These Napa Valley wines are small-lot, single-vineyard expressions inspired by the Bordeaux tradition. Years of exploration have led Bevan Cellars to some of Napa’s most coveted appellations—Oakville, Howell Mountain, Saint Helena, Rutherford, and Stags Leap.

If you are familiar with the Domaine and the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, you’re used to hearing about the cool climate. Even by our windblown standards, 2023 was cool. Naturally low yields and the cool spring and summer allowed the fruit to arrive at maturity with a comfortably slow, steady pace. Because the growing season was so long and gradual, we didn’t need warmer days to get past the finish line. (The customary harvest heat spike arrived after we had already picked.) Rather, the relatively cool harvest allowed us to dial in the harvest times. Historically, this scenario has been the formula for some of Burgundy’s most glorious vintages (think 1985 and 1999). In terms of character, 2023 gave us a wealth of desirable tannin. We habitually ferment with 100% whole bunches and have been increasing the percentage of new wood. The tannins carry flavor while knitting together a fine texture, lengthening the palate, and anchoring the wines’ structure. Total production for 2023 is 7,576 bottles. Very few bottles are left in Missouri. 98 pts- James Suckling.

At a minimum, it takes three years from gently hand-planting each individual vine to the first harvest. However, that initial crop is quite small and it will be another two to three years before the vines really hit their stride. After harvest, fruit destined for the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon will spend an additional two years in barrel before bottle aging in our cellar prior to release. At best, it’s six solid years of farming, winemaking and cellaring before we can pull that first cork. 2010 "The Estate" is the current library vintage, and drinking beautifully.