We scored big for you, dear Operative. Today only - and only while it lasts - we’ve got the 93 point flagship beauty, the deep, delectable, and delicious Inglenook 2013 “1882” Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine pays homage to Inglenook’s first historic vintage back in 1882. This wine hails from the winery’s historic Rutherford vineyard in the Napa Valley.

1882 was the first vintage produced by Inglenook founder Gustave Niebaum. That same year, Niebaum dug a small cave into the Mayacamas foothills on the back property of the estate in his quest for optimal barrel aging conditions. Today’s wine pays tribute to Captain Niebaum, whose spirit of innovation and exploration continues to live on at Inglenook.

You practically need to hold it up to the sun to see through this inky dark wine with a garnet coloration through to the lip. Taking a sniff you’ll find a magnificent, classic Cabernet Sauvignon nose, with black cherry, black pepper, currants, some green pepper, and subtle anise. The palate too speaks to a Rutherford, Napa Valley Cab with giant flavors of graphite, violets, tobacco, currant, and plum compote. It’s an iron fist in a velvet glove - this Cab has robust tannins that drive the fruit, yet the edges are so soft you almost fail to realize what a big wine it is… Until the finish which stretches on for days reminds you. You’ll want to pick up a nice ribeye from the store. If there’s still some wine left by the time the steak is ready, congratulations!

Enjoy!

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Here’s what the wine press has to say.

93 Points - Wilfred Wong, Wine.com - “Where would we be without the pioneering work of Gustave Niebaum? It was his vision that he could produce world class wines in the Napa Valley from Bordeaux grape varieties in 1882—this year marked the first vintage he produced on the estate of what would become the world-renowned Inglenook Vineyards. The 2013 Niebaum Estate 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon, made from estate grown grapes, exemplifies the Rutherford AVA and its best characteristics—bountiful ripe berries, fragrant floral notes, and complex earth and dust nuances. The 2013 vintage is a complete wine that has successfully combined three Bordeaux grape varieties. Drinks quite well now. Many thanks to Captain Niebaum for his insight into the future. The international wine world no longer regards the Napa Valley as a second class citizen.” (Tasted: November 22, 2016, San Francisco, CA)

92 Points - Decanter - “Solid and weighty with dense cassis and pencil lead flavours evolving into Indian spices and cloves. Immediate appeal with crunchy tannins.”