Today’s WIA for the most creative blend of the year is a masterpiece from Artesa. And a perfect representation of their old-world Spanish roots and (relatively) newfound Napa foothold.

Tempranillo and Cabernet combine into a 95-point tour de force of full-bodied richness, ripe fruit, savory complexity, and intensity worthy of the flagship price of $155. Today you can grab it for a mind-blowing 65% off! Putting a cool Benjamin back in your pocket is just what you need this time of year.

If you don’t know the name, Artesa is one to remember. The Codorniu family is Spain’s OLDEST winemaking family, traces their roots back to the 1500s. They specialize in Cava but planted their flag atop a hill in the Carneros region of Napa in 1991 and have been making outstanding wines there since.

“Thirty years ago, Spain’s oldest winemaking family, Raventós Codorníu, planted new roots in Carneros, building upon a 470-year winemaking legacy to create the next generation of estate-grown, artisan wines. They named it Artesa, which is Catalan for ‘artisanal.’” explains Wine Spectator.

Originally from Spain, few families can boast their depth of experience and knowledge (think Antinori, Frescobaldi, Symington…). And that is where the unique nature of this blend comes in – Tempranillo is rare in Napa Valley, but the Raventós Codorníu family are experts finding the right terroir for the variety. Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, both varieties are sourced from a combination of Atals Peak for depth and structure and the valley floor for ripe fruit intensity and a rounded mouthfeel.

Make no mistake, though the family is from Spain, Artesa is pure Napa. And the 2019 vintage? It was a doozy. The type dreams are made of.

“Looking at 2019, this is another terrific year that qualitatively… It is also a great follow-on to the 2018 vintage, which is similar in quality but very different in style. As with 2001 and 2002, and again in 2015 and 2016, you have two brilliant yet distinctive vintages, and which you prefer will depend more on personal preference than differences in overall quality.” elaborates Jeb Dunnuck. He goes on, “Where the 2018s have a more Bordeaux-like, focused, structured style, the 2019s are more classic Napa Valley wines with ample sweet fruit and baby fat. In short, these are classic, fruit-driven, sumptuous wines that offer loads of character.”

Expertly made by long-time winemaker Ana Diogo-Draper, one sip and you’ll agree it’s phenomenal. Mentored by her predecessor Mark Beringer – famous for making Duckhorn over the 14 years that established their reputation – Diogo-Draper was the driving force at Artesa until recently, guiding many of their sustainability initiatives. And this bottle is a testament to her prowess.

By the way, Artesa is one of the most beautiful wineries you will ever see. A marvel of design and function, Wine Enthusiast named them along with Opus One, Promontory, Mayacamas, and Alpha Omega as one of the top wineries in Napa to visit. And listed as one of Architectural Digest’s nine most beautiful wineries. AND as one of the main locations in the 2019 movie Wine Country!

We highly recommend a visit. But today only this beauty will cost you a whole lot less!

Time to stock up. At this price, it’s a STEAL! This 95-point powerhouse it won’t last!!!

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Juicy and richly flavored with notes of red and black fruits, wet tobacco and mixed spices, this full-bodied blend coats the palate with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish. Drink 2024–2030.”