I first learned of Shibumi Knoll after meeting their late founder, Don Ross, with friend and mentor, Leslie Rudd. Don had just released his Chardonnay that became a cult wine almost immediately after wine critics tasted it. His estate Cabernet Sauvignon I soon tasted after and thought it was outstanding. Like in previous vintages, the 2019 comes from their 1-acre vineyard in St. Helena. Their neighbors are the famed grower vineyard, Panek Vineyard and Chuck McMinn’s Vineyard 29 Aida property. Thomas Rivers Brown has been their full-time winemaker since the 2009 vintage, which at the time, was before he began consulting for numerous properties. David Abreu planted and continues to farm their vineyard. The 2019 offering is immediately drink-worthy, with aromas of dark fruit and allspice that lead onto the palate with a lingering finish. 111 cases were produced.