Hook or Crook Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley

Whew! Looking back it's hard to believe we sold 200 cases of the Hook or Crook 2017, it seemed to come and go in a flash! Clearly we hit a chord with all of our great deal Napa Cab lovers out there. Well, the 2018 is just in, an even better vintage, and once again it's an amazing value.

I spoke with Winemaker John Healy about this new release and he's sourcing from great vineyards and wineries once again. Grapes for this wine come from various wineries in the valley that he has close relationships, more than one of which has turned out a 100 point wine. They include vineyards in Stag's Leap, Rutherford, Oakville and Yountville. Unfortunately we can't share the names with you or the incredible price on this wine would suddenly disappear.

John's blend on this 2018 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Sirah and it's all been aged 18 months in American oak with a medium toast.

The wine shows smooth black cherry, black currants, hint of raspberry and toasty, woodsy vanilla. Enticingly supple and seamless, the polished tannins add a mouthfilling richness to the mid-palate with berry and spice flavors lingering on the finish. The balance and concentration are there for some good ageability over the next 4-6 years so you can enjoy this ripe Napa Cab now and let some mature gracefully in your cellars well. But what you can't do is hesitate, because we don't know how long this super value Napa gem will be around. Like the last one, it might just come and go in a flash!