“Our emphasis is on family and luxury, and we focus on brands that have a clear understanding of their unique terroir and are of exceptional quality.” – Jack Daniels, WD Founder

The incomparable Thomas Rivers Brown is back! He simply doesn’t miss when it comes to Cabernet, and this is no exception.

Atlas Peak!!! 2015! AND 60% OFF slipping it under $40?!

At a flea market two weeks ago, I “stole” (for $20!!!) a WW2-era US Navy phonograph in working condition. Truly a priceless relic. Landing this wine channels much the same disbelief and shock.

Dowdell wines would be long sold out if not for the pandemic. Usually found in restaurants, but a small stockpile went unsold. Out of misfortune comes opportunity, as the saying goes - and this is yours to seize.

Think about it. Wilson Daniels launches a restaurant-only project in collaboration with none other than Thomas Rivers Brown for the best possible Napa Cabernets. A little history by The Napa Valley Register helps us recall, “Initially Wilson Daniels focused only on wines from the Napa Valley, including both of their earlier employers, Chappellet and Cuvaison, but also Heitz, St. Clement and Wente. One year later, they added what for many in the wine world have become prized jewels, wines from France’s Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.” Nuff said.

Per the tech sheet, this comes from the Soda Canyon Ranch on Atlas Peak. Apparently a single block from the former Stagecoach Vineyard. Yeah. Didn’t really think for a minute that “Midas Touch” TRB would source from a fruit source with any less pedigree now, did we?!

This is telltale TRB magic, offering great structure, depth, and concentration, with tiers of well-framed black licorice, floral, and spicy scents, dark cherries, blackberry, lavender, fresh earth, and mineral, maintaining its focus on a long, chiseled finish. It makes for a dream to enjoy now or will cellar for a few years, hard to believe it’s almost a decade young.

So, where’s the catch you ask??

There has to be one! Well, there are two. It was a tiny production to begin with so what we unearthed ain’t gonna last the day. The other catch is that it was so small a vintage that nobody reviewed it.

For the following 2016 though Wine Enthusiast found “an elegant fruitiness that is balanced in richness and style” and Wine Spectator added “a well-integrated swath of flavor on the finish.” For the 2015 vintage we’ll add what Vinous said, is also right in our glasses, “positively stunning in their beauty… opulent, voluptuous wines with real personality and character.”

This will go fast.