2014 Yount Ridge Proprietary Red Napa Valley 750 ml

We were at Fleming’s Steakhouse in San Antonio when we discovered Yount Ridge on the wine list. Our curiosity was piqued—living in Napa Valley, the Cabs we don’t know are few and far between. “This wine is by Celia Welch,” the young sommelier said when we inquired about this 2014 Cab. “It’s her first release of this wine, and it’s spectacular.”

We didn’t need to hear any more: We ordered a bottle on the spot.

Celia Welch, after all, is one of the most in-demand, 100-point cult-wine producers in America. Food & Wine named her Winemaker of the Year, and she’s behind Wine Access member favorite Laz. Her 2016 Laz Cabernet, which was snapped up immediately when we offered it here last month, was one of the hits of the French Laundry’s 25th anniversary party, hand picked by their sommeliers.

When the somm poured us each a splash of the 2014 Yount Ridge that night, our table grew silent. This was classic Napa Valley as only the best winemakers, working with the most pristine grapes, can create. Every sip offered up mouth-coating flavors of ripe blackberry, crushed violets, freshly roasted espresso, and bay leaf. For all of its generosity, however, it was structured to stand up to even the richest meal: Perfect considering the ribeyes that were en route to our table.

We are ecstatic to offer the 2014 Yount Ridge today directly from the winery's pristine cellar.

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec was destined for greatness from the beginning. It’s grown on Yount Ridge’s 20 acres of organically farmed vines, within view of Cardinale, another clamored-for producer whose own 2014 red runs close to $300. And like most top wines from that excellent year—James Suckling called the reds “extremely attractive...this is a vintage not to miss”—the Yount Ridge is starting to hit its peak. Perfectly ripe grapes were harvested, fermented, and then aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak barrels, and the subtle spice and coffee notes that they imparted are really starting to sing.

Within a week, we had convinced the winery to set aside enough for us to be able to offer it today. Reserve your bottles before they’re sold out. If the Laz is any guide—and given the pedigree of Celia Welch and her clamored-for wines—the 2014 Yount Ridge won’t last through the week.