THE GRADE Cellars
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Into The Mystic"
Calistoga AVA
Auction 24 | Lot No. 70
Vintage: 2018
THE GRADE Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Thomas Rivers Brown pronounces Block 5 as his hands-down favorite among Winfield Vineyard’s seven blocks
- Thomas selects the best barrel of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon which is aging in new French oak
- His wizardry captures the dark fruit, supple acidity and robust tannins from this site’s small berries
- The blending of Calistoga earthiness, vineyardist prowess and winemaker magic creates a mystical wine
Description
An excursion “into the mystic."
Our Winfield Vineyard estate is nestled in the foothills of Mount St. Helena above Calistoga. Its diverse array of soils fanning from surrounding hills are divided into seven blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon. Thomas Rivers Brown has created three distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons from within this diversity. Sounds perfect, right?
That said, our 2020 Premiere Napa Valley wine is sourced from Block 5, which is an anomaly among these seven blocks. It is anything but a textbook Cabernet Sauvignon site. Unlike the typical gravelly and cobbly loams of the broader vineyard, the Block 5 corner is a mixture of clay loams, shaded in the afternoon and the least thirsty of the sections. Despite these ironies, this block consistently produces small berries that result in powerful wines with concentrations of dark fruit and ample acidity. We not only bottle these grapes as our best estate Cabernet Sauvignon, but Thomas is selecting the absolute best barrel for this Premiere wine.
Whether this paradox of terroir and wine is resolved through winemaking wizardry or simply by accident, the result is a mystical experience. A mystic may call it an accident of thought and a truth of nature.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Thomas Rivers Brown
Winemaker, THE GRADE Cellars
Napa Valley is home to many exceptional winemakers. Then there's Thomas Rivers Brown.
Thomas joined THE GRADE Cellars at the end of the 2011 harvest and has brought an exciting new palate and keen vineyard perception to our wine program. He may be known locally as a gentleman with abundant southern charm and a wonderful family, but he is acclaimed internationally for his extraordinary wines.
Thomas is one of the most exciting talents in winemaking today. Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Thomas developed an interest in wine while attending the University of Virginia. He worked the 1997 harvest for Kent Rasmussen before becoming an assistant winemaker for Ehren Jordan, winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars and consultant to a number of other high profile California wineries.
In addition to THE GRADE Cellars wines which he makes for us at Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, TRB is also dedicated to his own project, Rivers-Marie wine, known for its Pinot Noirs and also made at Sundance. When asked what differentiates the many brands he makes, he responds, "I can't really define it, but I know it when I taste it." He takes pride in there not being a recognizable trait in his wines - spoken like a true artist.
In October 2008, Thomas made history as the youngest winemaker to score not just one, but two perfect "100 point" ratings from Robert M. Parker, The Wine Advocate. After his first full vintage at THE GRADE Cellars, Thomas debuted with a "99 point" score from Robert Parker for our 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which we named "Kingly Project", and a "97 point" Parker score for our 2012 Estate Cabernet.
Thomas' athleticism sustains him through the stress of harvest. And his Aston Martin Rapide allows him to materialize, never late, at vineyard meetings.
Country born: United States
Education: University of Virginia, BA
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Honors / Awards:
Food & Wine's Winemaker of the Year 2010
Winemaking Philosophy:
Starting with the belief that the best wine is made in the vineyard, Thomas pursues a non-interventionist style that eschews technology.
Nakagawa Wine Co.
3-1-3, Kotobashi, Sumida-Ku
Tokyo 130-0022
Japan
81-3-5829-8161
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Nakagawa Wine Co.:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2023 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Walnut Wash Vineyard | 28 (2024) |
| Dakota Shy | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Best Barrel | 28 (2024) |
| Fait-Main, Tierra Roja Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Legacy | 28 (2024) |
| Grieve Family Winery | 2022 | Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | 28 (2024) | |
| Marciano Estate | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | La Révérence | 28 (2024) |
| Merryvale Vineyards | 2023 | Chardonnay | Napa Valley | Silhouette | 28 (2024) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2022 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Right Bank Red | 28 (2024) |
| Panek Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Now IS The Time to Panek | 28 (2024) |
| Paraduxx | 2022 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Rector Creek Red Blend | 28 (2024) |
| Perchance Estates | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 28 (2024) | |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 28 (2024) | |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2022 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Walnut Wash Vineyard | 27 (2023) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2021 | Merlot | Napa Valley | THREE PALMS VINEYARD BLOCK 5 | 27 (2023) |
| Fait-Main & Tierra Roja Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Touquette’s Baguette | 27 (2023) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 27 (2023) | |
| Merryvale Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Estate Vineyard | 27 (2023) |
| O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 27 (2023) | |
| Paraduxx | 2021 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | RECTOR CREEK VINEYARD | 27 (2023) |
| Quixote Winery | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | The Dragon's Windmill | 27 (2023) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 27 (2023) | |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Metamorphosis | 27 (2023) |
| To Kalon Vineyard Company | 2021 | Red Wine | Oakville | 27 (2023) | |
| TOR Wines | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 'The Centennial' Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard | 27 (2023) |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2021 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Walnut Wash Vineyard | 26 (2022) |
| Covert Estate | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Clone 341 | 26 (2022) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2020 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Three Palms Merlot Block 4 | 26 (2022) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 26 (2022) | |
| Quixote Winery | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | La Locura de Don | 26 (2022) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | FAY Block 2A | 26 (2022) |
| Viader Vineyards & Winery | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 26 (2022) | |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2019 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | 24 (2020) | |
| Dakota Shy | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Sure Bet | 24 (2020) |
| Hudson Ranch | 2018 | Chardonnay | Napa Valley | Laughing Lands | 24 (2020) |
| Hyde Estate Winery | 2019 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Larry Hyde | 24 (2020) |
| Inglenook | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Rutherford Bench Redux | 24 (2020) |
| JaM Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | 24 (2020) | |
| ONEHOPE | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Oakville | 24 (2020) |
| QTR | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Cascade View | 24 (2020) |
| Round Pond Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | SVS Gravel Series Blend | 24 (2020) |
| Saintsbury | 2019 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 24 (2020) |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 24 (2020) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Night Sky | 24 (2020) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Into The Mystic | 24 (2020) |
| Titus Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| Zakin Family Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Jan's Jewel | 24 (2020) |
| Brilliant Mistake Wines | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | The Poet & The Muse | 23 (2019) |
| Dakota Shy | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Guardian | 23 (2019) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2017 | Merlot | Calistoga | Three Palms Vineyard -Block Selection | 23 (2019) |
| Honig Vineyard & Winery | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Campbell Hillside | 23 (2019) |
| Jones Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 23 (2019) | |
| Larkmead Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Lark Ascending | 23 (2019) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere | 23 (2019) |
| Marciano Estate | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | La Gratitude | 23 (2019) |
| Merus | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | 23 (2019) | |
| Palazzo Wine | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Los Carneros | Midnight Angel | 23 (2019) |
| Stony Hill Vineyard | 2018 | Chardonnay | Spring Mountain District | 23 (2019) | |
| Twomey | 2017 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 23 (2019) | |
| Arietta | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | First Franc | 22 (2018) |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2017 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Terroir Walnut Wash | 22 (2018) |
| Domaine Chandon | 2008 | Brut Sparkling Wine | Yountville | 22 (2018) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2016 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard, Block 5 Selection | 22 (2018) |
| JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Decadence | 22 (2018) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere | 22 (2018) |
| Luna Vineyards | 2016 | Sangiovese | Napa Valley | Riserva | 22 (2018) |
| Paraduxx | 2016 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Saintsbury | 2017 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1997 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | Schramsberg Reserve Late Disgorged | 22 (2018) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Stags Leap District | S.L.V. First Growth Cabernet Franc | 22 (2018) |
| Viader Vineyards & Winery | 2016 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Homenaje | 22 (2018) |
| Yao Family Wines | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 22 (2018) | |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2016 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | 21 (2017) | |
| Dana Estates | 2015 | Sauvignon Blanc | Howell Mountain | 21 (2017) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2015 | Merlot | Calistoga | Three Palms Vineyard Block Selection | 21 (2017) |
| Favia Erickson Winegrowers | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Homage to Antonio | 21 (2017) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Marciano Estate | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | John C. Sullenger Vineyard | 21 (2017) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Pièce de Résistance | 21 (2017) |
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 21 (2017) | |
| Saintsbury | 2016 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 21 (2017) |
| Sciandri Family Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | I Am Delicious | 21 (2017) |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Booth Bella Oaks | 21 (2017) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | S.L.V. Grande Dame | 21 (2017) |
| Beringer Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 2015 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Best Barrel | 20 (2016) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2014 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | S.P.Q.R. | 20 (2016) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2014 | Merlot | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Ca' Momi | 2013 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 19 (2015) | |
| Freemark Abbey | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | York Creek Vineyard | 19 (2015) |
| Kata | 2013 | Red Wine | St. Helena | Benny's Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Paraduxx | 2013 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Pulido~Walker | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Possible II | 19 (2015) |
| Tetra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Mountain Song | 19 (2015) |
| Aloft Wine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 18 (2014) | |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2012 | Merlot | St. Helena | Heidi's Mouth-Watering Cuvee | 18 (2014) |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 18 (2014) | |
| Favia Erickson Winegrowers | 2012 | Red Wine | Coombsville | The Century Egg | 18 (2014) |
| Flying Horse Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Yuiho | 18 (2014) |
| Kapcsandy Family Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | State Lane Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 18 (2014) |
| Memento Mori | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Acacia Vineyard | 2012 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lone Tree Vineyard | 17 (2013) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard Barrel Selection | 17 (2013) |
| Erba Mountainside Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Winemaker's Selection | 17 (2013) |
| Gandona Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Kitchak Cellars | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Symphony | 17 (2013) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 17 (2013) |
| PureCru Napa Valley | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Secret 7 Selection (S-7-S) | 17 (2013) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Cuvée | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Artesa Vineyards & Winery | 2011 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Estate | 16 (2012) |
| Kapcsandy Family Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | 16 (2012) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Best of the Best Premiere Blend | 16 (2012) |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Hexameter | 16 (2012) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Premiere Cuvee | 16 (2012) |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Stephanie | 15 (2011) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Scarecrow Wine | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Toto’s Opium Dream: Scene II | 15 (2011) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1985 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs | 15 (2011) |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 14 (2010) | |
| Antica Napa Valley - Antinori Family Wine Estate | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Townsend Vineyard | 14 (2010) |
| Chimney Rock Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Tomahawk Vineyard, Premiere Cuvée | 14 (2010) |
| Freemark Abbey | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | York Creek Cabernet | 14 (2010) |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2008 | Red Wine | Oakville | OVX Estate Blend | 14 (2010) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 14 (2010) |
| Livingston Moffett Wines, LLC | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | 14 (2010) | |
| Paoletti Estates Winery | 2008 | Nero d'Avola | Calistoga | 14 (2010) | |
| Schrader Cellars, LLC | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Double Diamond Turbo X | 14 (2010) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1994 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | 1994 Reserve - Late Disgorged | 14 (2010) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | To Kalon Vineyard | 14 (2010) |
| Truchard Vineyards | 2009 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 14 (2010) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2007 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Pomerol Blend-Merlot/Cabernet Franc | 13 (2009) |
| Howell at the Moon | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Knoll | 13 (2009) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 13 (2009) |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Apotheca | 13 (2009) |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | I Block Reserve | 13 (2009) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Cuvee | 13 (2009) |
| Scarecrow Wine | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Toto’s Opium Dream | 13 (2009) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2006 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Pomerol Blend | 12 (2008) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2006 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 12 (2008) |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | I Block | 12 (2008) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Beckstoffer To Kalon Best Barrels | 12 (2008) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2005 | Red Wine | St. Helena | 11 (2007) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 11 (2007) |
| Paraduxx | 2005 | 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 3% Cabernet Franc | Yountville | 11 (2007) | |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2005 | Syrah | Los Carneros | 11 (2007) | |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 11 (2007) | |
| Volker Eisele Family Estate | 2005 | Red Table Wine | Chiles Valley District | 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot | 11 (2007) |
| Zahtila Vineyards | 2005 | Zinfandel | Calistoga | Oat Hill Estate Barrel Select | 11 (2007) |
| Corison Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Reserve | 10 (2006) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2004 | Merlot | Oakville | 10 (2006) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | PREMIER CUVEE | 10 (2006) |
| Lokoya | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Paraduxx | 2004 | Red Wine | Yountville | Rector Creek Vineyard | 10 (2006) |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 10 (2006) |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2004 | Petit Verdot | Howell Mountain | "V" | 10 (2006) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 1999 | Syrah | Spring Mountain District | Miravalle | 5 (2001) |
Winery Distribution
THE GRADE Cellars is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.