2013 Banknote The Vault Red Wine Napa Valley 750 ml

What’s Inside This Vault? Deliciousness.

There’s a perfectly good reason for why you’d want at least a dozen bottles of this tiny-production Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon-blend. The 2013 Banknote “The Vault” Red Wine doesn’t boast just one label—there are 12 distinct labels, any one of which you might be eyeing after pulling the cork. Each label was chosen by Banknote Wine Company founder Pete Nixon from his own Civil War-era collection of authentic banknotes. Nixon sought out Wine Access client-favorite Bill Knuttel to craft a powerful, sultry Napa Red, built on a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and a splash of Syrah. When it comes to Zinfandel, one branch of The Vault’s trinity, Knuttel is a master—his Zinfandels have gathered over 500 perfect 5-star ratings from Wine Access clients. The Vault will run you $32 from the winery—just $27 on six or more bottles on Wine Access.

Winemaker Bill Knuttel has his signature all over this rich red dazzler, and Napa insiders know that is an extremely good thing. As one of the founding winemakers at Saintsbury, Knuttel furthered his career as a fixture at Chalk Hill Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard before pursuing his own brands and offering his winemaking guidance to a select group of small-production partners—one of which is Banknote Wine Company.

This veteran winemaker’s influence is ripe with quality, born from California roots that bring drinkers, time and time again, into his fold of fans. When it comes to Zinfandel, one branch of The Vault’s trinity, Knuttel is a master—his Zinfandels have gathered over 500 perfect 5-star ratings from Wine Access clients. Season that with his history as President of the California Cabernet Society and polish it off with a measure of Napa Valley Syrah for a red blend that represents balance and experience: The Vault.

And then, there’s Banknote—a winery with loads of fascinating wow factor. Banknote Wine Company belongs to label-maker turned winery-owner Pete Nixon—a man who literally built this blend around a set of vintage Civil War-era labels. Inspired by authentic banknotes from his own collection, Nixon fixated on the idea that “good ideas should be developed and refined, not given away.” Without hesitation he turned to Knuttel to create a wine with the swagger to match these riveting labels.

The partnership results in this sultry and dark blend—equal-parts Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, each bottle authenticated with a number stamp reflecting unique craftsmanship. Even more intriguing: there are 12 different labels per case, each exquisitely engraved based on the real-deal notes from a fascinating time in American history. In other words, you’ll need at least a dozen of this small-production gem.

- Wine Access Wine Team