Anomaly Vineyards Bressler Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2023

When we think of one of our favorite wineries in our quaint, little town, we think of Anomaly. Located down a sleepy lane on the western side of St. Helena sits many a beloved vineyard, Beckstoffer Las Piedras, Beckstoffer Bourn, and Levensohn, to name a few very special places a stone's throw away. The soils are comprised of sandy loam and gravelly cobble from the alluvial creek wash parcels at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range. This area of Napa Valley is truly extraordinary, and it isn't because we can ride our bikes around the hush-hush neighborhood without crowds; it is because this special swath of pure loveliness contains the right terroir to make exceptional wines we look forward to boasting about whenever possible.

If you have been a longtime ACME member, you should know that we debuted Anomaly years ago in our then-Kahuna club. In 2012, we were the proud top bidder of the Anomaly barrel at Premier Napa Valley's Barrel Auction. We have shared many vintages with ACME members, and the Anomaly wines have garnered an impressive following. So, when we learned of a first-time release from their small team of family and friends, we raced to the tasting table with a ready glass. Their 2023 Bressler Vineyard Cabernet is a welcome newcomer to their line-up, with fruit from neighbors just down the road.

Becoming vintners was an unexpected turn for Steve and Linda Goldfarb, whose retirement hobby turned almost immediately into a second career. After purchasing their St. Helena home in the late 90s, they discovered seven rows of Cabernet Sauvignon and decided to try their hands at making a "garage wine". To their surprise, the couple made a remarkable wine on this first go-around, receiving acclaim from friends and neighbors in the wine industry who tried it. Their straight-off-the-bat success proves the high-quality terroir of the vines along that quiet St. Helena lane and that great wine begins in the soils. Today, they've passed the winemaking torch to winemaker George Urquiola, who has worked alongside the family since 2020, first as an Associate Winemaker.

The Bresslers' vineyard lies next door to Anomaly, with just under five acres planted to vine. Since 2017, Anomaly has stewarded the vineyard and used the fruit in their blends. In 2023, they chose to create a designated wine of its own to showcase the expressive, distinct fruit bred from the same soils of their property. After 20 months in 100% new French oak, the wine is composed and refined. Enticing aromas of bergamot, dried rose petals, black cherry, and sandalwood give the first impression and open to a velvety and richly textured palate. Maraschino cherry and black pomegranate are layered and opulent alongside soft tannins and linger through the long, spice-driven finish. Just 150 cases were produced, making this one wine to secure early and often for gems to tuck away into your cellar.