Girard is a stalwart in the Napa wine scene, with 40+ years on the block. They make an assortment of Cabs, each one representing a particular AVA. Classical and elegant in style, with a Bordeaux sensibility on one side but also driven by pure intensity and power that only Napa can provide. And these wines surely overdeliver by a long shot at our prices today.

Winemaker Glenn Hugo cut his teeth at Provenance, before working under Tom Rinaldi at Sedna and Fleury Estate Winery. From there he landed at Girard, and the rest is history. But winemaking is only a small piece here - every aspect of the winery is meticulously managed. From state of the art equipment and technology, unique barrels for each wine’s needs, and an obsession with farming practices, the entire process is managed to such a high degree.

Diamond Mountain is a small, but powerful AVA. Home to some incredibly age-worthy Napa Cabernet, where the pure volcanic soil is rich with glassy obsidian, volcanic ash, and sandy clay. Famed producers like Von Strasser and J. Davies lay claim to this mighty little mountain, but plenty of other producers make single vineyard Cabs from the steep slopes here. And nearly every one fetches $100-200 or more…

As you might expect, this brings a more rustic, mineral-driven, masculine edge to Cabernet. Unlike the valley floor, where the fruit delivers baskets of ripeness, you get a more old-world style here. Still, don’t let that fool you into thinking this lacks fruit. It comes front-loaded with layers of red cherry, black plum, and wild blueberries. Crushed stones, cigar box, and worn leather find their way into the mix, and the tannins, while persistent and grainy, will resolve over time and help turn this into a smooth operator.

And like the previous Girard, the price remains the same - $120 at the winery and under $50 from us.

92 Points – Decanter “From winemaker Glenn Hugo, a very pretty, initially reserved wine, but give it some time to reveal its elegant crushed stone minerality, cherry and raspberry aromas. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, the pure and delicate red fruit notes are nicely integrated with cedar spice, earth and dried florals. Drinking window 2022-2030.”

91 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District has quite a bit to offer. Powerful and layered, the 2019 is super-expressive right out of the gate. Crushed rocks, spice and savory herbs lead into a core of dark blue/purplish plum fruit. There’s terrific persistence here and plenty of personality, too. Drink 2024-2034.”