This blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, all from St Helena’s “Lewelling Ranch,” represents one of Napa Valley’s best Cabernet values. And, for your cherry on top, note that it’s from the showy 2012 vintage. Generously endowed with toasty new French oak, get vanilla bean, cola, cinnamon, allspice and 12 year barrel-aged Bourbon, the fruit measures up. Concentrated black cherry, currant and blackberry mostly. If you like your Napa reds lavishly oaked, this is definitely for you.
Petit Batard is the second label for XTANT winery. Total production is tiny: under 500 cases for both wines. Jeff Gaffner, winemaker. He owns/makes Saxon Brown, and his resume includes Chateau St Jean (back in “the day), Black Kite and Hestan.
