It might not carry the vineyard names on the label, but Sling & Spear’s lush fruit and luxurious texture speak for themselves. A swirl releases complex aromas of red fruit, lilac, and dark chocolate. The wine lands on the palate with all the grace and power of a pole vaulter, carrying plum and graphite on rich tannins polished by a lavish 20-month rest in 100% French oak.

And the opulence? That comes from three Cabernet Sauvignon clones that compose some of the Valley’s best (and priciest) bottles: clones 337, 4, and 6—the same ones planted at To Kalon.

The masterminds behind Sling & Spear have earned a slew of critical praise, including placement on Wine & Spirits’ Best US Cabernets and Blends list. But after years of selling high-priced collector’s items, this Cab showcases their prestigious vineyard sources—without the prohibitive cost.

Hence the name. The wine is a ruby-hued David (Sling), standing for bottle prices that don’t zoom into the stratosphere. His foes: a host of costly Goliaths (Spear)—high-caliber wines, to be sure, but ones that can’t outmatch Sling and Spear’s incredible quality, power, and finesse.

The winery had heard about a few of our blockbuster Napa Cab sellouts, and they knew their wine would make a killing. Cue our lunch with the winemaker at Napa’s Angèle. Over duck rillettes, steak tartare, and generous pours of this robust, sultry 2019, we locked in the exclusive at an unbelievable discount.