In just five vintages, Band of Vintners, a rare single-label operation, has redefined value in California and rattled the core of our subscribers. Sellouts, double sellouts, and an infinite stream of emails demanding more have quickly become the chaotic norm around here because the “single label” in question is $35 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from elite Napa Valley sites and crafted by a consortium of top winemaking minds.

Since their inception in 2014, we’ve been positively stunned by every release, bought cases upon cases for personal consumption, and watched in awe as this incredibly low-priced gem demolishes $50, $75, even $100+ rivals each year. Obviously, letting this overachieving, underpriced Cabernet slip through our grasp would be a major disservice to our customer base, so we’ve spent the new year securing the last bit of 2018s in their possession. As we said when offering the previous vintage nearly two years ago: Dig in and secure a 12-bottle parcel immediately because out here in wine’s Wild West where (1) cult bottles fetch four digits, (2) there are waitlists upon waitlists to join swanky wine clubs, and (3) a single acre on the valley floor fetches hundreds of thousands, Cabernet of this quality, at this price, never survives long. 

This storied band of seven has a wealth of experience throughout the wine pipeline. One reason for keeping “Consortium” at such an affordable price is the strategy to purchase fruit around Napa whilst utilizing their extensive connections. Although the vineyard sites aren’t revealed, it should be noted that several members have links that run deep with DANA, Harlan Estate, Promontory, Spottswoode, and Young Inglewood. As if that isn’t already impressive, the list continues with Larkmead, Massican, Cardinale, Lokoya, and Hyde de Villaine. Clearly, it’s safe to say the myriad sources for these Napa Valley grapes are of the highest degree. Throw in San Francisco Chronicle’s 2017 Winemaker of the Year, a couple of wine entrepreneurs, and Master Sommelier Jason Heller, and you have yourself a supergroup that is bound to impress for years to come. 

The 2018 Band of Vintners “Consortium” is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out by 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The fruit was sustainably sourced from prestigious sites throughout the Napa Valley appellations of Coombsville, Mt. Veeder, and Calistoga. After a stainless steel fermentation and extended maceration, the resulting wine then aged 15 months in a blend of new and used French oak barrels. 

This rendition of “Consortium” is incredibly rich in fruit, all while retaining freshness and a lingering savoriness that is impossible not to love. It echoes the classics with its soft, dark-fruited layers and leaves you pondering what golden, top-dollar vineyards they were able to cull fruit from. After a 30-minute decant, give the wine a few swirls and you’ll revel in its uncanny ability to deliver polished structure and terroir-driven elegance. This is a refined yet powerful Napa Cabernet that boasts intoxicating perfumes and flavors of crème de cassis, black cherry liqueur, Damson plum, wild herbs, pencil lead, cigar box, damp violets, and baking spice. The palate is nearing full-bodied and loaded with an opulent core of fruit that leaves behind a slight trail of volcanic rock minerality. It’s to be enjoyed now and over the next 2-4 years…frequently! Cheers.