Four Distinctive Wines from Napa, Tuscany and Montepulciano

DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

This bold Paso Robles red is a result of Georges and Daniel Daou’s vision to create Bordeaux-style wines with the vibrancy of California. Rather than settling in Napa, the brothers found that the limestone-rich soils and altitude of Paso Robles offered exceptional potential. Their estate vineyards sit at 2200 feet, where cooler conditions preserve acidity and support the development of deeply concentrated fruit.

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from hand-selected grapes that undergo fermentation before resting for 18 months in 80% new French oak barrels. The resulting wine is generous on the nose with notes of cassis, blackberry, and cherry supported by hints of vanilla, cocoa, and toasted oak. On the palate, expect rich layers of ripe berries, dark herbs and spice, balanced by a firm tannic grip and velvety finish.

This Cabernet is approachable now but designed for aging, making it an ideal match for grilled meats, aged cheeses, or decanting for a special occasion. It showcases how Paso Robles continues to rival the best wine-growing regions in California.

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon

Located in Napa’s prestigious Rutherford AVA, Sequoia Grove has been crafting top-tier Cabernet since 1979. The winery sources grapes from their estate and long-standing grower partnerships across Napa, giving them access to premium fruit and enabling consistent quality year after year. The wine reflects the classic Rutherford style: bold, structured, and complex.

After fermentation, the wine spends 20 months aging in oak barrels which enhances its deep flavors and complexity. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and cassis rise from the glass, complemented by undertones of cedar, toasted spice, and dark chocolate. The full-bodied palate delivers concentrated fruit, silky tannins, and a lingering earthy finish.

This is a Cabernet designed to impress. It pairs beautifully with hearty beef dishes, wild game, or a simple grilled steak. Its balance of power and elegance makes it one of Napa Valley’s essential red wines.

Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, Avignonesi is a historical winery known for elevating Montepulciano’s reputation on the global stage. Using 100% Sangiovese grapes, this wine undergoes meticulous aging: a year in French oak barrels, followed by another six months in large Slavonian casks, and a final resting period in bottle before release.

The result is a richly nuanced wine with aromas of cherry, red plum, and baking spice. On the palate, layers of red fruit, wild herbs, leather, and mineral notes create depth and complexity. Its structure is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and smooth tannins, finishing with subtle notes of dried fig and Mediterranean earth.

This wine embodies Tuscan character and is perfectly suited for classic Italian fare like pasta al ragù, hard cheeses or grilled vegetables. Its elegance and freshness make it enjoyable even in its youth, though it will reward short-term cellaring.

Honig Sauvignon Blanc

Honig’s Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing take on this varietal, cultivated from sustainably managed vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Here, the well-drained loam and gravel soils produce bright, flavorful grapes that are harvested at peak ripeness. A dual fermentation process ensures enhanced complexity—some grapes are whole-cluster pressed, while others are given brief skin contact before pressing.

The wine is aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness while building texture. In the glass, it shows tropical fruit aromas—mango, grapefruit, and lime—alongside floral hints of elderflower and citrus blossom. On the palate it’s crisp, vibrant, and dry with refreshing acidity and a medium body. The finish is zesty and mineral-driven.

This Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or served alongside seafood, goat cheese, or light pasta dishes. It’s a versatile white that balances flavor, structure and drinkability, capturing the essence of Rutherford in a glass.