2018 Prime Cellars District 4 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

260 days of sunshine per year. Cool Pacific breezes. Morning cloud cover. For Cabernet Sauvignon, which loves sun but not excessive heat, that’s paradise—aka Napa Valley. 

Because the Valley boasts various elevations and a dizzying array of soils, growers can tease out a multitude of Cabernet Sauvignon expressions. With their 2018 District 4 Cab, Prime Cellars takes full advantage of Napa’s diverse palette, weaving fruit from exceptional vineyards across the region into a stunning tapestry.

The Coombsville AVA sits at the Valley’s southern end, where volcanic soils and a cooler climate foster soft tannins and excellent structure. Slightly farther north, Yountville soils contribute complexity and supple fruit. Finally, a 20% dose of Merlot from windy, foggy Carneros—which borders San Pablo Bay—adds to the wine’s silky texture. 

“This is a classic, workhorse-style Napa Cabernet that offers loads of character,” said critic Jeb Dunnuck. Grown in one of Napa’s greatest vintages ever, this 2018 shows the powerful yet lush character that made the region famous. Aromas of dark cherry, plum, dark chocolate, and tobacco preview a refined palate of red fruit and spice, framed by elegant tannins.

Prime’s micro-production wines are the passion project of Ted Henry, who ran the show at Clos du Val before taking the helm at the 100-point Groth Vineyards & Winery. In his 20+ years of experience in Napa, he’s made valuable connections that give him the inside track to fruit from some of the best vineyards in the Valley. 

He started Prime Cellars in 2005 with a release of just 100 cases. Fast-forward 13 years: “Ted hits pay dirt,” reported the Wine Advocate. “I love, love, love this bright, refreshing, emerging new taste of Napa.”