Textbook has emerged as the gold standard for undiscovered boutique Napa Cabernets that taste like $100 but can be secured for far less. This Textbook 2011 is remarkably serious tasting, exceedingly satisfying and a must-have for collectors looking for an undiscovered value. This new release soars from the glass with captivating aromas of potpourri and melted dark chocolate that lead to a weighty, deftly balanced experience featuring layers of black fruit complimented by seamlessly integrated, creamy French oak. Hints of blackberry, baking spices, espresso and semi-sweet Godiva chocolate linger on the prodigious finish. This gem maintains a sense of age-worthy elegance rarely found in pure Cabernets at this price. Enjoy tonight (decant 15 minutes) or anytime over the next 5 – 7 years, peaking 2017 – 2019 depending upon your palate. 95+ points.

Textbook Winery

TEXTBOOK’s "Mise en place" Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the extreme eastern and western sides of the Oakville District. These sections of Oakville boast the most coveted Oakville wines; Screaming Eagle (TEXTBOOK's neighbor), Rudd, Harlan, and others. Oakville's finest producers are congregated on these east-west areas because of their rocky, well-drained soils which make Cabernet Sauvignon vines struggle, thus concentrating their flavors. Sustainably-farmed, this mature site exhibits everything they could ask for.

TEXTBOOK is so named because after tasting it so many times in barrel it exhibited the "textbook" characteristics one looks for in a classic Oakville red wine; brooding aromas of deep red fruits, dense texture, complex flavors, and a firm, yet balanced finish. "Mise en place" is a French culinary term referring to "preparation in advance". That’s how they operate the vineyard and winery - be prepared, in advance.

All TEXTBOOK vineyards are hand pruned, hand picked and after harvested, hand sorted in the winery.