EHLERS ESTATE!

Easily one of my all-time favorite wineries, and their Napa Valley Cabernet always delivers big time. And when you can get it for HALF off, well that’s just a “case me” kind of deal if ever there was one. Or at least a half case…or quarter. Point being - get some!

Founded in 1886, Ehlers is one of the best kept secrets in the valley. Truly, I don’t know how they float under the radar but if you are in town, you must pay them a visit.

They pump out killer wines, and the prices have always been reasonable for the exceptional quality. Which makes our price today just madness. For years they had the vaunted Kevin Morrisey as winemaker, and he did an amazing job. In 2018 they brought Laura Diaz Muñoz into the fold and she’s somehow taking it up another notch. And it’s no surprise given her experience working with Chris Carpenter at Jackson Family wines - on projects like Cardinale, Lokoya, Mt. Brave and La Jota.

Their estate vineyards just north of St. Helena are in a prime spot, on the bench at the base of the Mayacamas mountains. Every wine they make comes from the estate’s carefully tended, biodynamically farmed vineyards. This one includes some fruit from Howell Mountain combined with their valley floor fruit, and the end result is just chock full of deep, ripe fruit.

Up front it delivers LOADS of bittersweet dark chocolate and creme de cassis. Cigar box and spices join the mix with deep red raspberry, some kind of chocolate-covered-cherry thing, and black fruits all parlayed into one satisfyingly smooth and delicious sip. Just the right serving of toasty oak – but not in a heavy-handed way. Polished but firm tannins carry through into a medium length finish, and it has a seamless flow from front to back. Incredibly balanced, and a perfect bridge between the opulent and lush Napa style and the more restrained classic throwback Cabs that made the region what it is.

We begged and pleaded for more, but alas this is what we have to share. Get it while it’s here!