AXR Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

Price drops to $69.95 per bottle when you purchase 3 or more bottles - ground shipping included!

AXR has as deeply rooted ties to Napa Valley as cabernet sauvignon does – so it’s only fitting that the two collide in today’s offering of a silky, luscious, and inky 94 point 2021 Napa cab from this hot, young producer with far-reaching pedigree and a historic property!

Reaching back nearly 150 years, the AXR estate was previously V Madrone until 2017, and originally the August Hersch Winery in the 1880s. Purchased by three wine-savvy friends in 2017 (who sagely partnered with 100 point winemaker, Jean Hoefliger), AXR demonstrates an impeccable mastery of crafting terroir-centric wines that impressively represent Napa Valley. This brilliant cabernet is one such example – coming to life vividly with fresh dark fruits, woodsy undertones, and a balanced power that will blow away anyone who appreciates an excellent Napa cab. When you order 3+ bottles, shipping is included AND the price drops to $69.95 per bottle...don’t miss out on this!

The name AXR represents the AxR rootstock – Aramond x Rupestris – which was prominent in California in the 1960s when UC Davis recommended it widely. However, it fell prey to phylloxera in the mid-1980s to early-’90s, causing about three-quarters of California’s vines to be replanted. After its demise, California’s wine regions were left as a nearly blank canvas to experiment with and explore which grape varieties might thrive. AXR’s three founders and lead winemaker follow suit – continuing to view Napa’s lands and soils as a playground to traverse with curiosity, paying their respect to the area’s original “roots.” These four friends – Kelly Trevethan, Mark Schratz, Don Van Laeken, and winemaker Jean Hoefliger – sat around a table enjoying good food, wine, stories, and laughter when the idea for AXR started to form life.

Now, the winery, set on a historic estate two miles north of St. Helena, prioritizes modern, innovative winemaking techniques in order to draw out the essence of Napa Valley into its prized wines. The team works with top parcels of fruit naturally fermenting in small, microproduction lots for extensive observation of the quality and characteristics within the terroir from each batch. The 2021 cabernet sauvignon – which attracted 94 points from critical heavy hitters Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling both – exquisitely showcases the handiwork poured into each bottle, and we’re still spinning that we were able to secure this degree of quality of Napa cab juice for under $70 a bottle.

2021 was a knockout year for Napa wines, with a moderate growing season, minimal heat waves, and steady weather patterns well into the fall, producing fruit that’s intense in aroma and flavor. This deep and dark cabernet sauvignon is as fresh and vivacious as it is complex, unfurling with scents of cedar wood, black currant, and blackberry, spinning in notes of dark cocoa powder and shaved hazelnut. These flavors continue developing on the palate, lingering alongside some sweet plum and blackberry jam, with balanced cooking spices, dried thyme, pencil graphite, and cigar box. This is a cab that evolves, yet remains brightly structured throughout the entire glass, making for an exceptionally drinkable, smooth, and concentrated finish that you won’t long forget. This is a proper Napa cab made for enjoying with friends – just as the originators of AXR would have it! Get some for well under retail, and experience this extraordinary palate pleaser for yourself!

PAIRING IDEAS: Go big or go home! Yes, this is a Napa cab worthy of your finest filet mignon. Roast some smashed garlic rosemary potatoes on the side with some baby broccoli for an incredibly easy but gourmet-feeling feast that sings with this beautiful cabernet.