2018 Becklyn Moulds Family Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Becklyn Cellars was founded by Matt and Amber Denny, an Austin, Texas, couple who dreamed of making Napa Valley wine. Based in Calistoga and sourcing grapes from Rutherford and St. Helena, the couple’s first commercial releases were a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc. Becklyn’s winemaker is Mike Smith, who worked under star winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown before focusing on his own celebrated career. Smith and Brown continue to collaborate on the production of several prestigious labels. Only 150 cases of Becklyn wine is made annually. Becklyn is named for the Texas farm owned by Matt Denny’s parents.

Oak Knoll AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newest appellations, having received that status in 2004. Located on the southern end of Napa Valley, the appellation is close to San Pablo Bay and therefore relatively cool. Of the 8,300 acres within the appellation, 4,150 are vineyards. The principal grapes grown are Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Locals like to call Oak Knoll “the sweet spot” thanks to its location between the San Pablo Bay and its maritime climate and the much hotter climate of Napa Valley’s floor.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.