It’s a Seraphic Symphony Sunday!

This North Coast Cabernet was, admittedly, a shocker.

The price, not so much. At $65 retail it’s a bit high for a “North Coast” appellation Cabernet. But at our price today? Just $22? Absolute no-brainer material after tasting it.

The label gave a certain vibe that suggested it might not be so serious a wine. But one taste had our eyebrows raising in unison around the table.

And then we learned who has been guiding this label, and it made sense.

After all, as Vinepair points out, “The six counties that make up the sprawling, official North Coast wine region - Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Solano, and Marin counties that encompass about 60 smaller subregions - is a paradise for winemakers who love to produce blends from various sources.”

Over the years, a duo responsible for some of our ALL-TIME favorites has been involved with the project.

They began with Chad Alexander (Hess Collection) but currently have Robert Smith steering the winemaking. No, not The Cure’s lead singer, but surely a close second in fame. Robert honed his chops at top-tier spots like Quintessa, Seven Stones, and Covert Estate before perfecting his craft at the Op favorite Quixote Winery With guidance along the way from the likes of Aaron Pott and Philippe Melka, he too now has the Midas Touch, it seems, especially at the masterful art of blending.

Made from 92% Cab and 8% Syrah, this is not a shy wine in any way, shape, or form. Big, sturdy as an old Sequoia, and inky black in the glass. It’s so dark, it might make Dostoevsky blush. And yet it’s still open for business at this tender young age. Dusty blackberries and Amarena cherries, juicy black plums, well-worn leather, and exotic Chinese five spice mingle together in a fairly seamless, rich, palate-soaking style that’s hard to resist.

Don’t let the $22 fool you - it’s in a class that would normally fetch $100+ in Napa, and easily competes with some very, very serious stuff.

92 Points – The Tasting Panel “Sturdy tannins hold up graphite, Italian herbs, and anise, and take on a hearty grip. Herbaceous notes persist with an old-world style, melding with blackberry and black-peppered cedar.”