2019 Bjorn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, USA

On the northern edge of the Napa Valley, east of the salted ocean air, rest the dry and sunny vineyards of Howell Mountain. Nestled there, amongst its many, perhaps better-known vintners, is the small winery of Bjorn Vineyards, a gem hidden in plain sight. The family-owned and operated Bjorn Vineyards has been producing wines in this area since the early 2000s. Winemaker Bjorn Larson, a native of Napa Valley who trained in Champagne, crafts wines that truly embody the terroir - the dry and porous volcanic ash and red clay-rich soil, and moderate spring, and warm summer climate - that make this area an equally challenging and rewarding place to produce wine. His wines also reflect the essence of the environment - the natural spring, the fruit trees, and the forests - that surround the winery. Since Bjorn planted his vines almost two decades ago, his emphasis has been on cultivating high quality grapes from low yields, using gentle processing practices that minimize the use of additives. Only around 3 out of 68 acres of land that encompass the property are farmed. As a result, there are just 220 cases of Bjorn 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon on the market. The Bjorn 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is aged up to 2 years in French oak. It's full-bodied, structured and well-balanced, with round tannins, and a fresh acidity. You'll find lush aromas of black berries and stone fruit, vanilla, and mocha. Notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries, along with oak, dark chocolate, and minerals follow, culminating in a smooth and velvety finish

Bjorn Vineyards rarely hosts tastings and they selectively sell their cases, producing only around two hundred in total per vintage and which they prefer to share with friends. Their new 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of their best vintages yet. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the finest small-batch wines from Howell Mountain and for just $85 a bottle, going down to $75 with at least a half-dozen purchased.