2018 Karo-Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak Napa Valley Private Reserve Block 12 750 ml

It’s been six years since the gnarled vines of Block 12 gave up their last tight-fisted clusters of massively concentrated mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 Private Reserve, the last wine bottled from Block 12 before its vines were uprooted forever, racked up a 4.24 rating, one of the highest Karo-Kann marks of all time, selling out of every last drop. We thought the story was over, but we were wrong. 

1,800 feet up on Atlas Peak, where Block 12 yielded its powerhouse Cabs, was another vineyard, directly adjacent. The rugged volcanic soil was exactly the same. The steep slopes were an extension of the same natural amphitheatre. Most importantly, in the glass the Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly identical—immensely powerful, rich, and wonderfully complex.

For four years we've been trying to get our hands on the extraordinary Cabernet from Block 12’s other half. The parcel belongs to one of the world’s great wine families, and has produced countless high-scoring Cabernets—Wine Advocate was “deeply impressed” by its hard-to-find offerings, while Wine Spectator called the family’s legendary patriarch an “icon.” As such, it took more than a little convincing—plus some help from Mother Nature in the form of the bountiful 2018 vintage—to secure the fruit we wanted and the best-in-class pricing that every Karo-Kann must deliver. 

Finally, we did it. Block 12 is back, and at its best price ever, just $30 per bottle. Brimming with chocolate-covered black cherry, tantalizing spice, and a lengthy black-plum-and-espresso-bean finish, it’s also poised to take the title of highest-rated Karo-Kann from its older sibling. Don’t miss the triumphant return of an all-time favorite. 

Several lengthy NDAs have sealed our lips as to the exact name and location of the estate that owns this side of Block 12. What we can say is that it is a critical darling.

In setting out to grow some of the most intense and deep-fruited Cabernet in Napa Valley, the owners headed straight to Atlas Peak. They made no mistake in choosing the precise location. What makes Block 12 so special—that’s both halves—begins with the rugged earth. The extreme rockiness of this geological stretch accentuates the effect of the cool volcanic soil found all over the mountain, extending the growing season and giving great violet, wild-herb, and cocoa complexity to its Cabernet. 

From there, abundant sunshine from clear skies overhead does its work slowly ripening grapes until they reach a perfect level of maturity—one that’s impossible to achieve in most places in Napa Valley. The result offers deep notes of blackberry compote, crème de cassis, and juicy red and black plum. 

20 months spent aging in new and neutral French oak has polished this powerful mountain Cabernet to silky yet full-bodied perfection. Hints of clove, vanilla bean, and cedar complement the dark fruit, herbs, and floral layers while never overpowering them. In the end, Block 12’s incomparable signature is at the center of this wine, and we’re so glad it’s back. Load up on as much as you can while it’s still here.