Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Signature Series Reserve Napa Valley 2021

Beau Vigne’s a mountain-grown Napa cab specialist, dubbed as “one of my favorite wineries” and a “true gem of Napa Valley” by Robert Parker, Jr. Over the years, rockstar winemakers, Dave Phinney, Kirk Venge, and now, Julien Fayard have crafted some amazing, critically praised wines – just like this newly released 2021 Signature Series Reserve cabernet sauvignon. 96 POINTS from an incredible vintage, and priced over $100 less than retail – this is a First Bottle deal for the ages!

Winemaker Julien Fayard (with stints at Lafite Rothschild, Realm, Atelier Melka, Purlieu, and more) really nailed this 2021 – showcasing an excellent vintage that is generating some serious buzz for its potential as a Napa Great. 20 months in 80% new French oak, plus a wee morsel of cabernet franc and petit verdot blended in, give this polish and depth, with a structure and tension uplifted by high-toned aromatics. It’s a delectable and collectible cabernet from start to finish – and well-deserving of its 96 POINT score.

The wine reveals rich and layered aromas of toasty barrel, lifted by high-toned lilacs and violets, punctuated by warming creme de cassis and blueberries. The palate is generous and supple with concentrated, dark blackberry jam, savory wild herbs, dusty cocoa powder, and a clean, pencil-lead minerality. The wine is quite balanced given its youth – and while it is certainly approachable now with a brief swirl and sit — assuredly, the best is yet to come. Deservedly standing alongside $200+ bottles of Napa cabernet sauvignon as its peer group – but the real value is to be found at our spectacular price of over 50% OFF here at First Bottle. We got as much as we could, but only a handful of cases available here – and sure to fly!

PAIRING IDEAS: I matched this up with a guilty pleasure – a smashburger patty melt. Two smashburger patties, melted swiss cheese, with some grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, and a dollop of horseradish mustard on griddled sourdough bread. Cast iron is your friend here, and don’t be shy with the butter to get that bread nice and toasty!