2014 Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Napa Valley 750 ml

Mountain Cabernet for the Long Haul

When it comes to his Private Reserve, Chad goes to any length to craft the most complete, fantastically rich, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon possible. Then he adds a little bit of flash. The last 125 cases of the 2014 Private Reserve are up for grabs — culled off fruit from one of the most heralded estates in Napa Valley, located in the high-altitude viticultural Eden known as Pritchard Hill. At the winery, the master blend goes for $400/bottle and reels in 96 points. Under Chad, that same winery’s 100% estate-grown fruit is available to Wine Access clients at another, much more incredible value.

As usual, a lengthy NDA had Chad balking at our questions about the estate. “If I tell you more, the whole thing will blow up,” he winced. “Which would you rather have, a discount or the details?” After sipping and swirling four ounces of Chad’s massive, dark purple Private Reserve, we knew exactly what our priorities were. “Here’s what I can tell you,” he offered. “By virtue of the juice alone, it was already the greatest Chad ever made before I even touched the stuff.”

But of course Chad had to go even further. Nine extra months of aging in 100% new French oak have added weight and well-integrated hints of vanilla and toast to the ultra-concentrated blackberry and boysenberry compote fruit core. This is one that will give — and keep on giving.