Covert communiqué coming through loud and clear, listen in! We have just unearthed an undercover Napa Valley winemaking talent with the most impressive resume. Following his trajectory from Trinchero to Jarvis to Clos du Val where he currently holds his day job as head winemaker, his personal project brings Ted to the forefront with this remarkable Coombsville Cabernet. Utterly delicious, it speaks of the Wine Advocate’s 97-point vintage assessment; “the best wines from 2015 are singular, totally unique expressions of their vineyards and are absolutely spectacular”.

Opaque ruby with a purple glow, with inky legs that stain the swirling glass. Notes of espresso roast, white chocolate, licorice, and unsmoked tobacco make up the monstrous nose. The mouth-feel is rich, layered, full-bodied, and the wine is impressively endowed with a hint of smoke. A tannic grip on the long finish promises continued evolution for many years. While it’s hard to resist today, it’s built with broad shoulders to cellar. Patience is hard to come by when it’s with this tasty a Napa Cabernet so pair with big, homemade beef or veggie burgers, with sautéed mushroom and onion to top.

While tasting through the Clos du Val’s 2015 lineup recently Robert Parker praised him as; “winemaker Ted Henry seems to have ratcheted up the level of concentration and fruit and that is an extremely positive sign for the future of this large estate with a tremendous upside” which is a justified recognition based on how delicious and intense his own Prime Cellars 2015 Cabernet is. While it holds the intensity of this ripe vintage, being from Coombsville, one of the coolest wine-growing corners in Napa Valley, it offers adequate freshness to deliver impeccable balance. Jump on the Prime bandwagon at 40% off!