2023 The Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 181 Oakville Napa Valley 750 ml

Rob McDonald is one of the most accomplished wine-biz insiders we know. In addition to running a small library of his own labels, he was the founder of Old Bridge Cellars—an import business for some of the most revered estates in Australia, including d’Arenberg, Leeuwin Estate, and Jasper Hill. When it comes to New World opulence, Rob’s one of the best barometers of excellence in the country. 

He also has a truffle hound’s nose for scoring hidden-gem fruit in Napa Valley, scoring access that gives even longtime veterans of the California wine industry jealous fits. And for the 2023 The Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 181 Oakville Napa Valley, he secured a lot of grapes from not only one of the prime sections of Napa Valley, but one of the finest estates there. 

Of course he can’t reveal his source. But we’ve known Rob for long enough to know that when he says prime, when he says legendary, he means it. And when you take one sip of this wine, you’ll feel that quality coming through. 

Showing a dark ruby hue in the glass, the aromas are driven by sun-kissed black cherry and licorice, accented by a handful of violet and lilac, with dark chocolate and vanilla notes. The palate is rich with density and a juicy midpalate, with espresso and cassis carried on silky tannins that resolve in a long-lasting finish. It’s obvious this is the product of first-class terroir, meticulous farming, and crack winemaking.

We can all guess as much as we like, yet ultimately, no one but Rob will know the vineyard that created this Cabernet. Who cares? The chance to drink an Oakville Cab like this for this price is rare—enjoy it.