Selah Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2021

In a lot of ways, athletes have a very similar mindset to that of a winemaker, where determination, adaptability, time management, commitment, self-confidence and drive are essential to succeeding at their sport or craft, respectively. A well thought out plan, with a keen sense of focus, follow through, diligence and the desire to be the best you can be are all things both professions require. This prodigious Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was carefully created by a remarkable professional baseball pitcher and one of the greatest winemakers of all time! 'Boutique' doesn’t even begin to describe the level of emotion and meticulousness inside this bottle; the foundation they have laid together and the painstaking work being done from vine to bottle year after year, is truly where the success lies! 

Professional baseball pitcher Joe Blanton, while playing for the Oakland A’s, found an undeniable passion for wine during the team dinners he would experience while competing on the road. The older players, who Joe looked up to both on and off the field, would often order wine during dinner to enjoy alongside their meals, and Joe was intrigued instantly. Several trips up to nearby wine country, particularly Napa Valley, furthered his interest, and after he was given the opportunity to taste a 2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Joe quickly realized there was much more to wine than he had experienced so far. His interest quickly turned into an obsession, and though he was traded in 2008 and left the Bay Area, he continued to learn as much as he could about growing and making wine. During travel between games, he immersed himself in wine books and tasted as often as he could with likeminded teammates. As you can see, the time he spent training in wine, was with the same level of intensity and determination that was required of him to find so much success in Major League Baseball.

During one of these trips to Napa Valley, Joe met his wife LeeAndra, who shared his enthusiasm for wine. They were eventually married and decided to make St. Helena their home following Joe’s retirement from baseball. Their search for a vineyard property of their own led them to Howell Mountain at 1,400 ft. in elevation. It was here where they dug their roots, both literally and figuratively, and built Selah, a small, secluded site surrounded by tall pines and patches of forest. As with many Howell Mountain vineyards that sit above Napa Valley’s fog line, the site’s high altitude translates into cooler daytime temperatures and warmer evening temperatures, very different than what is experienced on the valley floor. The appellation is characterized by two main soil types, decomposed volcanic ash (called “tufa”) and red clay, and the wines being produced from Howell Mountain possess a remarkable power and intensity. The wines can range in style from lean and elegant to burly and gritty. Selah is right in the sweet-spot of that style. Medium to full-bodied with a graceful, dark black core of fruit and a rounded mouthfeel. Hints of dark cocoa and blueberries and soft, subtle tannins are the trademark. Quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet excellence, this is a homerun for sure!

Partnering with Joe and LeeAndra is Thomas Brown, the mastermind behind Schrader, Outpost, Maybach, Hobel, Revana and, of course, Rivers-Marie. As we all know well, when Thomas gets behind a project, he pours his wealth of experience and passion into each bottling. This is a noble and thrilling addition to his portfolio of wines, and subsequently, to your personal collection. To share something this special is exactly why we love what we do. 

This wine is ripe and expressive with loads of jammy blue fruits intermixed with notes of candied violets, Asian spices, tobacco, and cedary aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness and a full throttle, opulent style, it has grippy tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish. Will age gracefully for at least 10-15 years. A Howell Mountain Cabernet that drinks well over its price point, we recommend several bottles to cellar, but also try one soon, so you know what GREATNESS awaits you!