In the world of wine, professional reviewers and wine enthusiasts alike tend to focus on heavily-marketed, well-established labels,, often to the detriment of boutique producers who are crafting some of the finest nectar available. This is particularly true in the super-premium tier where certain so-called cult brands have achieved an almost unimpeachable superstar status so that they always appear at the top of recommended lists.

With this in mind, it was both refreshing and inspirational to read a recent Vinography post reviewing wines from the prestigious Oakville sub-appellation of Napa Valley, home to more first-growth labels than any other Napa region and indeed, throughout California. While the tasting included several well-known cult brands such as Screaming Eagle and Harlan, CV partner Tierra Roja appeared near the top of the list with their 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that is available exclusively through our wine bar and on-line shop. Not to far behind is the 2008 vintage of the same wine which is not yet released.

With only 120 cases produced, and a price tag that is far more digestible than many of its neighbors, it's wonderful to see our own little super-star garner both the attention and recognition. Congratulations to Linda Neal, who owns the brand and tends the precious 4.5 acre vineyard that produces these exceptional grapes; to David DeSante, who crafts them into the wonderful wines that they are; and to Alder Yarrow, who penned this thoughtful review:

http://www.vinography.com/archives/2011/05/tasting_the_superstar_wines_of.html

Learn more about 2003 Tierra Roja at:

http://www.cvwinebar.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=116&category_id=16&keyword=tierra+roja&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=91