An absolute “no brainer,” the Revival Field Guide Napa Valley is a blend of 1/3rd Cabernet Sauvignon (from a vineyard in southeast Napa Valley, near Silverado Resort) and 1/3rd each Malbec & Petit Verdot, both from Rutherford/St Helena Bench vineyards. (All the grapes are estate owned.)

The term “no brainer” gets bandied about a lot in the wine circles I run in. Often used yet appropriate because, when I pour this for guests, everyone likes if not loves its sweet, rich sensations of black cherry compote, blackberries on the vine in the summertime, cola, dark chocolate, black licorice, dried garden herbs and pure vanilla extract, all framed with a generous dose of toast oak with natural acidity that elevates the flavor sensations and fine tannins built to support all its goodness for years to come. I’m getting a little carried away here, making it sound like 1986 Pichon Lalande or something. OK, maybe not quite as good, but super-solid and a great buy for $55.

Follow up recommendation a la Field Guide, Tribe & Arrow Cabernet Sauvignon 2019