Lot 496
2022 Napa Valley Proprietary Red

$120/bottle under the original label

Lot 496 is a grand Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. While we’re forbidden from disclosing the exact percentages, the grapes hail from estate vineyards throughout the valley, and the final blend reflects a perfect cross-section of Napa’s famed terroirs. Their no-expense-spared winemaking approach, coupled with an almost absurd attention to detail, has amassed over a decade of mid-90s scores for this series.

This proprietary red opens with an intense nose of dark red and black fruits, enveloped by a halo of blue fruit, blood orange, and a subtle dried herb complexity. The palate is a showcase of terroir expression – pyrazines are intertwined with dry, fresh tannins, leading to layers of stones, brambles, and uplifted spice. A whisper of tobacco leaf adds depth, while a long, enduring finish brings together notes of vanilla, dark berries, and a hint of leather. Simply class.