Happy Valentine’s Day!

So, you like HEARTY, rich, explosive Napa Cab blends?

But maybe you dislike the Napa tax?

Check this out. A 93-point “eye opener” of a proprietary Cabernet-based blend from an estate vineyard just outside Napa, made by a rockstar winemaker.

Oh, and over HALF off the retail price. Under $30 for a wine of this caliber has our struck by Cupid hearts going pitter-patter.

We aren’t alone, having noticed a CellarTracker review saying “could easily be mistaken for a Bordeaux at thrice the price” and we heartily agree. Of course, we love it even more at THIS price. I mean, just take a look at other wines by Jean Hoefliger - their prices easily range between 2-10x more expensive.

GrapeHeart is a small husband and wife project out of Suisun Valley, which is just a stone’s throw away from Napa. This overlooked location is one of the most talked-about hot new wine frontiers. After all, what better testament to the potential than Caymus building its brand-new massive winery there?! The climate is much the same, and it’s been an AVA since 1982. And then you learn this wine was made by Jean Hoefliger - the guy behind how many 95+ point showstopping wines?? His tenure includes AXR, Alpha Omega, The Debate, Michel Rolland, Newton, Harbison, and many other rockstar labels.

The Beat is made of a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep and lush, this is an intensely concentrated beast. Described as “rich, explosive, and silky” on their website, it’s definitely not for the shy, or anyone craving an uncomplicated, light tipple. Fairly extracted, and full-bodied, it delivers a berry basket of fruit - plump red raspberries, blackberry jam, and cassis. Throw in some cocoa, crushed flowers, and a dusting of baking spices all wrapped in a robe of expensive French oak. Beyond classic Cab fare, it’s playful enough for dark chocolate-dipped strawberries too.

Speaking of Valentines, what’s with that name and that heart on the label? Well, proprietors Ramzi and Isabel Deeik donate a portion of the GrapeHeart proceeds to the American Heart Association! With him a hotshot heart surgeon, and her steering this wine ship, we simply can’t think of a better winery to continue celebrating the month of love and giving!

It’s limited - fair warning.

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Quite an eye-opener, this bold, full-bodied wine is black in color with a dark-ruby rim, offers powerful dark-fruit aromas and opulent fruit and spice flavors. While labeled as a red blend, it has more than enough Cabernet Sauvignon to be a varietal wine. The concentration level is high enough that hints of blueberry, dark chocolate, blackberry jam and charcoal keep evolving on the finish.”

92 Points – James Suckling “A firm and chewy red with blue-fruit and light chocolate character. Medium body and a juicy finish. A fun wine from here.”