We went deep undercover to bring you today’s Chateau De Vie 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This special wine was made by our friend, Dave Phinney, of Orin Swift and Locations fame. This wine was made for the boutique Chateau De Vie winery in Calistoga. SInce 2000, Chateau De Vie has given Dave free reign to craft the finest Cabernet Sauvignon for their hidden gem winery.

This wine is bright and fresh on the nose, with young blackberry, plum, tobacco leaf, spice box, violet, vanilla, subtle toffee and white pepper. Flavorful and layered on the palate, with delicious flavors black cherry cordial, plum, hard leather, cassis, cranberry, dried orange peel, mild mixed spice and a hint of cracked peppercorn.

Don’t let the Burgundy-shaped bottle in our photo fool you. This wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon. Why they bottled in a Burgundy bottle is quizzical - which we actually find quite fun. Just like the wine inside.

We love Dave’s wines and today’s is an elegant and perfectly aged Cabernet that retains plenty of fruit and that special Phinney character that Dave’s wines always embody. There is plenty of good acidity in this wine, making it a superb pairing companion. Enjoy throughout the holidays and for another few years to come.

Cheers!