In the language of wine, Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon speaks of the passing seasons which shape its vintage, of the crucible of forces that formed its spectacular Napa Valley terroir, and, more symbolically, of the dreams of the Indelicato family.
There is no recipe for Sam Jasper wine, only an idea: Dream whatʼs possible. Then do oneʼs utmost to realize that dream. Itʼs a philosophy that has guided the Indelicato family since the earliest days in the United States. Today those dreams have taken shape in a single, exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Sam Jasper” was the Anglicized name that Gaspare Indelicato gave to the humble winery in Manteca, California in which he crushed his first commercial vintage. One century later, the release of the inaugural vintage of Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon marks a new chapter for the Indelicato family in California winemaking.
To create this flagship wine, the Indelicato family and winemaker Ralf Holdenried brought on noted consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to collaborate on a singular Napa Valley cuvée that serves as both a tribute honoring generations past, and a signpost forward for generations to come.
Winemaking is inherently collaborative. The winemaker collaborates first with nature—taking what’s offered and shaping it according to philosophy and necessity—and second with each person who touches a vine or its juice along the slow journey from vineyard to bottle.
Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the collaborative efforts of two Napa Valley winemaking veterans, Thomas Rivers Brown and Ralf Holdenried, working in tandem with nature and each other.
An inky purple hue, the wine offers fragrant aromas of ripe, brambly berries and plums, edged in notes of walnut husk and cedar. The palate explodes with intense flavors of redcurrant and cherry, fanning out in a broad, silky wave that mingles vibrant fruit flavors with accents of espresso, chocolate and graphite, and lingers on the long finish.
Review:
A new project from the Indelicato family (Black Stallion Winery) and consultant Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a ripe, full-bodied effort, loaded with scents of cherries, baking spices and dark chocolate accented by subtle herbal shadings. It's supple and expansive on the palate, culminating in a long, mouthwatering finish that combines a touch of warmth and a dusting of silky tannins. It should drink well for more than a decade.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95 Points
For our 2018 Napa Valley Quilt Reserve, we tasted the developing wine throughout the fermentation and aging processes, then set aside the very best 2% for this reserve bottling. Our lot selection was based on intensity, complexity and boldness of expression that could withstand a longer aging cycle and heavier use of new French oak.
Tasting Notes
Deep Ruby Red in color with aromas of black currant, bright cherry, toffee, blackberry, marionberry pie and notes of dark chocolate. Rich and satisfying on the palate with flavors of boysenberry jam, black cherry pie filling, and cocoa layered with notes of vanilla and hazelnut. A full-bodied Cabernet with layers of concentrated black fruit, bright acidity and excellent balance. A long, velvety and satisfying finish, enjoy this stellar vintage now and for years to come!
Powerful and rich tasting, this wine from Joseph Wagner is velvety in texture and spicy in aroma. It drips with jammy Port like flavors that are backed by fine-grained tannins that tightened a bit on the finish for a good grip. Best from 2025.
-Tasting Panel 97 Points
Dr. Leimbrock Estate Riesling is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Typical Riesling, fresh and fruity, easy drinking. Grapes come from Brauneberger Juffer and Juffer-Sonnenuhr - one of the most prestigious vineyards in the Mosel winegrowing region. The vineyard faces south and provides the best conditions for growing Riesling.
Pairs well with barbecue meats, pasta dishes.