At a glance

Producer

Cathiard Vineyard

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (predominant, Bordeaux blend possible)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$210-$280 USD (release/pre-arrival pricing as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Intense cassis and black cherry, graphite, subtle cedar, baking spices, and integrated new oak.

Evolution: Will develop secondary aromas of leather, tobacco, forest floor, and savory herbs from 2028 onwards.

At peak: Harmonious, layered, elegant with softened tannins and tertiary complexity by 2030.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; fresh for Napa, emphasizing balance.

Tannins

Firm but ripe, polished and fine-grained.

Alcohol

Typically 14.5% - 15% ABV (Napa style).

Aging potential

High – 15-20 years+, thanks to structure and pedigree of vintage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2036

Optimal window

2025 to 2042

Current status

Youthful, primary fruit-driven, well-integrated tannins emerging.

Current condition

Structurally robust, approachable with decanting, but primary notes still at the forefront.

The wine’s combination of ripe fruit, judicious oak aging, and balanced acidity implies a classic long-lived Napa structure. It will reward patient cellaring, with best drinking anticipated from its eighth to sixteenth year, when primary fruit recedes and nuance emerges.

Food pairing

Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged Gouda, or truffle-infused dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm but ripe tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors. Decanting for 30 minutes will help open up the wine and improve its overall profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Solar-powered facility, advanced drip irrigation, native cover crops, owl and raptor boxes for biocontrol, recyclable lightweight bottles, eco-friendly packaging.

Cathiard Vineyard has rapidly adopted Napa Green and other leading sustainability programs since its founding, focusing on ecosystem health and resource efficiency. While not certified organic or biodynamic, it employs many advanced sustainable practices (energy, water, biodiversity, packaging) and makes ongoing investments in environmental responsibility. Domestic market focus helps lessen transportation footprint relative to global imports, pushing the overall sustainability rating above most Napa peers, though carbon impact remains higher than some strictly local, organic producers.