2023 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

We can’t think of a Cabernet that’s been more consistent in thrilling our members: The last three vintages of 1881 have all racked up scores well above four stars. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been alongside Jean-Charles Boisset for our first taste of this now-legendary wine. 

We’ll never forget the moment he pushed aside the Champagne and $100+ Burgundies on the table, put down fresh glasses, and poured us some Cab. “Try this,” he said, in a remarkably understated moment.  

Boisset, who hails from Burgundy, is a flamboyant superstar vintner with an immigrant’s love of Napa. He even lives in Robert Mondavi’s custom-built former home. He brought Napa Cabernet icon Raymond back to glory, and recently bought the landmark 142-year-old Oakville Grocery, turning the Victorian next door into a museum celebrating Napa Valley’s pioneers. 

It was at Oakville Grocery—which sits across from the To Kalon Vineyard and practically in Opus One’s front yard—that JCB first shared his 1881 Cabernet with us. “People can find Napa Valley wines anywhere,” he said, “so when they come to this place, we want to give them something they cannot experience anywhere else.” He poured the dark-ruby liquid, then swirled his glass and inhaled deeply. “We want to give them something they’ll never forget.” 

The 1881 Cabernet Sauvignon is his unforgettable experience, and it stands as one of our members’ all-time favorites. It’s our bestselling Napa Cabernet of the last year, with five-star reviewers calling it ”Among the best Cabs out there” and saying, “1881 matches $90.00 CABS.” One said of a previous vintage, “If you like big bold dry oaky reds, you will go nuts over this one. I’d give it 6 stars if I could.”

The 2023 hails from JCB’s limitless sources in the mountain AVAs and on the Valley floor, made under the eye of 100-point consulting winemaker Philippe Melka along with Raymond’s Stephanie Putnam. It was meant to be served and sold at JCB’s tasting room at the intersection of Highway 29 and Oakville Cross—where you’ll pay $85.