We love a great surprise when tasting wine. And this is one of those times when we were blown away by this new wine brand. Last year we offered their debut vintage of Next Episode Cabernet Sauvignon and this 2019 marks their debut of their Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grand Reserve is a selection of top performing barrels from their top performing lots assembled with the intention of capturing their best take on Napa Valley. They utilize wines from some of the finest vineyards and nested AVAs of the region. Quite simply, this is their flagship wine of the vintage. It is comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 50% of the Cabernet coming from Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in Rutherford and the remainder coming equally from Wolf Family Vineyard in St. Helena and Hendrickson Vineyard in Atlas Peak AVAs. Fruit from Rutherford lays down classic rich berry fruits and moderate acidity with Atlas Peak providing an aromatic pop, age worthy tannins and vibrant red fruits. Finally, the fruit from St. Helena brings density and black fruits to the table. Vintner and winemaker, Craig Ploof, aged the wine for 22 months in 100% new French oak, utilizing Taransoud and Darnajou barrels.