Tether, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California 2019 (750mL)

The first vintage of Tether (2013) was made by esteemed winemaker Benoit Touquette, and their small 168-case bottling sold out instantly. For all subsequent vintages, Kimberly has relied on the superb talents of Anna Monticelli. After earning her degree at UC Davis and studying across Europe, Anna worked her first harvest at Bordeaux’s famous Château Cheval Blanc. She has served as assistant winemaker for Seavey Vineyard as well as Bryant Family Vineyard and is currently the winemaker at Piña in the Napa Valley. With her sharpened skill and Kimberly’s connections, the pair have created $55 magic. 

 Tether’s 2019 release leads with 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and is rounded out with the other famed varieties of Bordeaux: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Although the sources are top-secret, we can tell you the majority of utilized fruit came from the prestigious sub-appellations of Atlas Peak and Spring Mountain. The grapes are all from sustainably farmed vineyards. In the winery, the grapes ferment varietally separate before blending and aging in 60% new French barrels. 

The result is an enchanting Napa red with richness, serious structure, and verve. It fills a Bordeaux stem with an opaque purple-crimson core and clings to the glass with substantial viscosity. The fruit aromas are intense, heady, and pleasantly intoxicating with crème de cassis, fresh violet, black raspberry, Damson plum, black cherry liqueur leading the charge. However, a formidable layer of crushed graphite, lead, baking spice, cigar wrapper, licorice, and tobacco leaf lends serious harmony and depth to both the nose and powerful, full-bodied palate. This is no sappy, overripe Napa Cabernet. There is formidable, brooding structure here with perfect levels of opulent berry fruit, black-stone minerality, and herbal savoriness. It’s modern Cabernet perfection to be enjoyed now (with a healthy decant) and over the next decade.