If you’ve received our emails for any length of time, it’s (hopefully) evident that we aren’t some run-of-the-mill discounter peddling wine for the masses—but that doesn’t mean we won’t leap onto a soapbox to preach the value wine gospel when a screaming deal comes our way. Today, it comes in the form of a richly textured Napa Cabernet from Coho, one of our favorite boutique producers. Because of our support over the years and our fastidious platform, a special, one-time deal was worked out specifically for us: their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, for a logic-defying $49. Really, there’s no better way to present this offer than calling it what it is, a smoking deal.
As you know, Cabernet is the long-lived king of the Napa Valley—resulting in intense competition and innumerable triple-digit labels—so our price-to-quality bar has been raised into the stratosphere. That’s why we never hesitate to give considerable deference to exceptional-quality, well-priced Napa Cab, just like one would a sage elder. So here we are, on our soapbox, exclaiming that Coho is the genuine article; a flagship red that tastes expensive but isn’t; a serious, deeply structured Cabernet that’s evolving into its own; and a collector item with legitimate 10+-year-old cellar potential. Whether you’re in need of a deeply satisfying experience tonight or are looking to wisely stock up for the years to come, this Cab is for you!
Coho was founded in 2002 and initially focused on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa’s sub-AVA of Coombsville—where many shrewd producers are currently flocking. Their owner, Gary Lipp, has a long history in wine, having worked with names like Heitz, Mondavi, and Chappellet—where he met his now-lead winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus, one of Napa’s more prominent names. You may recognize him from his work at Chappellet, Titus, or Hertelendy. Alongside Phillip is Brittany Richards, who had stretches at Chappellet (which seems to be the starting point for Coho’s team) and Peter Michael Winery. The team may be small, but their combined track record proves that talent and passion are surely present.
Today’s grapes were sourced from a collection of sites in and around Coombsville, a Napa Valley sub-appellation that sees extended fog cover—which moderates heat spikes—and can average temperatures ten degrees cooler than its northern counterparts (only Carneros sits closer to the San Pablo Bay). This results in higher levels of acidity in the grapes and generally a more even ripening season. The blend for their 2016 flagship bottling was 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, and 10% Merlot, and the wine aged for 21 months in equal parts new and used French oak. This batch hasn’t moved from its original resting place since it was bottled. Nearly two years in barrel and two more in bottle? That’s music to my ears!
In a sentence, Coho’s Cabernet-led 2016 is a colossal sub-$50 achievement. It’s an intense, rich, and deeply fulfilling experience that delivers layers of luscious dark fruit and mouthwatering elegance after 30-60 minutes in a decanter. In a large Bordeaux stem around 65 degrees, it unravels with intoxicating notes of black cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, dried black raspberry, huckleberry pie, cacao nibs, cloves, candied violet, wild herbs, and crushed rock. The palate flaunts an opulent mouthfeel of liqueured fruit and vibrant spices that are underpinned by refreshing acidity and cashmere-soft tannins. It’s a full-bodied, richly textured Cabernet that flirts with liquid luxury without being burdensome. That’s Coho’s special talent: the ability to be simultaneously pure, hedonistic, and beautifully integrated. Enjoy now and over the next 5-8 years. Cheers!
