Super Seconds! (Of Napa Wineries)

2016 The Mascot Red Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley

Velvet 48 List: $185

The Mascot is a wine that originated as an experimental blend shared only with friends and family. Crafted by Will Harlan from younger blocks of vines at Harlan, Promontory and BOND, this wine offers a taste of Napa's most elite estates.

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Velvet 48 Wine List: $60

Here is how Far Niente explains the idea behind their new Post & Beam label - “Every post and beam barn begins with a strong foundation, and so does every Post & Beam wine. Indeed, these wines are built upon foundational winemaking elements, executed flawlessly, so that they result in Cabernets and Chardonnays that taste as they were meant to taste. These are classically crafted wines that emanate from the heart and soul of true winemaking. For our Cabernet, it’s all about gentle pressings and an oak program that supports – but doesn’t overwhelm – the pure flavors and expressions of our Napa Valley Cabernet.” 

2018 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru St. Helena

Velvet 48 List: 95 

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck 

Plums, Asian spices, tobacco, and lead pencil notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru, which hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a beautifully polished, elegant texture, and outstanding length.

2019 DETAILS by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

Velvet 48 List: $55

DETAILS Wines is a stand-alone brand helmed by the dedicated team at Sinegal Estate, created out of ambition to expand access to high quality wines. DETAILS Wines follows the 1,403 -step-approach cultivated at Sinegal Estate to source grapes and produce its eponymous 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 2019 Aerena Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County

Velvet 48 List: $40

Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s powerful and provocative “Man in the Arena” speech, ÆRENA Wines celebrate the humble hero in all of us who try their hardest every day. Crafted by the Blackbird winemaking team—from under discovered vineyards in the North Coast—made to tantalize all our modest senses, without breaking the bank.

2019 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Salus Benchlands Napa Valley

Velvet 48 List: $80

86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot- This was a score! Anyone familliar with the cult-y Staglin wines knows that their price point is not for the faint of heart ($300+ on their Estate Cab). You literally cannot buy this wine anywhere else. And it’s a great way to access the outstanding Staglin quality at a more reasonable price. The Staglins are also very philanthropic and proceeds from the sale of each bottle of Salus wine support brain health research, a cause very near and dear to them. Enjoy this rarity from their exclusive collection!