“Whenever I hear the usual ‘Napa is too corporate’ complaint, I try to (nicely) tell the person that there is a long list of family-owned wineries in the valley. From first-generation labels such as Keplinger, Favia and Rivers-Marie to multigenerational operations like Togni, Spottswoode, Salvestrin, Titus, Honig, Chappellet, Continuum, Seavey, Morisoli and many more. You can also add FRIAS to that list.” – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 2024

We know, it’s the long weekend and everybody’s got plans.

But I don’t care if you’re Bottlerocking or sitting by the pool. Toes in the sand on the beach or catching rays at the ballgame.

Whatever the event, wherever you are, please do yourself a solid and lock this down before it’s too late. Because as Wine Advocate says “These are consistently excellent offerings that deserve greater attention.”

FRIAS Family! A first on Wine Spies, and easily one of our biggest scores this year. You won’t see it on the competition’s website. And certainly, nowhere at this price. 364 days of the year you’ll pay $80-$85 for this bottle. But today for 24 hours (or let’s face it… less) it’s yours for HALF OFF.

Some of you might know this treasured family producer from high on Spring Mountain. Pride, Marston Lokoya, Keenan, Fantesca, Paloma… the list goes on. And FRIAS is one of the crown jewels of the AVA.

Manny Frias bought a property in the Spring Mountain District in 1977 and by 1985, they had planted their first vineyard. And three decades later his sons Manny Jr. and Fernando continue the tradition of making world-class wines with help from winemaker Todd Heth that often score 95+. Beyond their own vineyard they source fruit from a few select locations in Oakville and Yountville.

An immense core of dark red fruit sets this apart from your usual run-of-the-mill Napa Cabernet. Some are inky black, and others - like this one - lean toward the big red fruit spectrum. Personally, I love that style. It seems to retain a bit more freshness, vibrancy, and energy. If you want a well-balanced Napa Cabernet that isn’t a one-trick fruit bomb with 200% new oak lacquered on it, this is your ticket.

Red twists, dark raspberry, Bing cherries, red currant, cassis. Very plush, seamless, and richly fruited. It’s like they captured the essence of sweet cherry pie, crust, and all, and transformed it into a magical elixir. Stacked in the front, back, and side to side. There’s not a world where you taste this and say “meh.” With just 400 cases made, we’re lucky to have enough to spare on this quiet Saturday.

There’s a 99% chance when this hits your lips it becomes one of your favorite Cabs of the year. It’s that good. And at this price, it’s an absolute no-brainer. Get as much as you can justify because you’ll be sad when your final bottle is empty…