Alta Cabernet Sauvignon Oso Malo Napa Valley 2018

Alta’s “Oso Malo” is one bad bear you’re gonna want to tussle with! Atlas Peak cabernet sauvignon (whose grapes have been sold to the legendary John Kongsgaard for years by the way), the killer ‘18 vintage, and 52% OFF!! Under $40 for a Napa single vineyard cabernet sauvignon like this is a treat – and one you won’t want to miss!

Double 91 POINTS too, what more can I say? Clocking in at 88% cabernet sauvignon and 12% cabernet franc – this is an inky, fully ripe, and crushed-in-your-hands red and black fruit behemoth. Cherries jubilee and cassis, with fresh and mineral elements of spearmint and crushed rocks, leading into proper freshness and peppery accents which carry into a spot-on finish with figs, baked plums, and savory, earthy notes complementing the ripe fruits and spice. ROCK SOLID, especially at this unreal price!

The Alta Oso Malo folks are relatively new to the game, with owner/winemaker Fred Oliai acquiring the 90+ acre Atlas Peak vineyard in 2008, but man, he sure knows how to pick them! Over the years they have sold most of their fruit (to Kongsgaard and others), and make a tiny, tiny amount of their own wines. The “Oso Malo” refers to the troublesome bear that roams their vineyards and takes his cut of their prized fruit. Who could blame him? At this price, with this vineyard’s pedigree (from the very same vineyard that is THE exclusive source of ALL Napa cabernet and merlot for John Kongsgaard’s own wines), I mean, C’MON! We don’t have many firm and fast rules in this life, but if it is good enough for Kongsgaard, we’ll never miss the opportunity to take a sip. You won’t want to miss this either, trust us!