THE GRADE Cellars
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
"THE MONEY BARREL"
Calistoga AVA
Auction 18 | Lot No. 134
Vintage: 2012
THE GRADE Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Fruit sourced from our estate Winfield Vineyard in Calistoga
- This lot from the best barrel of Block 5
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aged in French oak
Wine Facts
- pH: 3.67000
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
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.
Meritage Wine Market
162 South Rancho Santa Fe Road Suite A-10
Encinitas CA 92024
760-479-2500
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Meritage Wine Market:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morlet Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Le Fabuleux Franc | 23 (2019) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 22 (2018) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel | 22 (2018) |
| Spoto Family Wines | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Cession | 22 (2018) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Arrow&Branch | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane & Oakville Ranch | 20 (2016) |
| Barbour | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend | 20 (2016) |
| Chateau Boswell Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Coup De Foudre Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Lightning Bolt | 20 (2016) |
| Freedom Estate Wine | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Hiatus Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | THE FOUNDATION | 20 (2016) |
| Kale Wines | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Broken Axle | 20 (2016) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Doctor & the Bandit | 20 (2016) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, Ermitage Troncais | 19 (2015) |
| Davis Estates | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Phase V | 19 (2015) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Doctor's Orders | 19 (2015) |
| Memento Mori | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | RTL | 19 (2015) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Renteria Wines | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Beller Bench Blend | 19 (2015) |
| VinRoc Wine Caves | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Coyote's Howl | 19 (2015) |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Franc | Howell Mountain | Block 7 Upper Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Astrale e Terra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Block 6/7 | 18 (2014) |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, St. Martin Grande Reserve | 18 (2014) |
| Bennett Lane | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Croze | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Upper Block | 18 (2014) |
| Spoto Wines | 2012 | Malbec | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Sullivan Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 18 (2014) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Crown Jewel | 18 (2014) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | THE MONEY BARREL | 18 (2014) |
| V12 Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Twelve | 18 (2014) |
| ADAMVS | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Block 1 Lower | 17 (2013) |
| Bennett Lane | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 17 (2013) | |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Caspar Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 17 (2013) | |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Wild Layla | 17 (2013) |
| Coho | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Combination of the Two | 17 (2013) |
| Mario Bazán Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Porter Family Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Coombsville | Duet | 17 (2013) |
| Arietta | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Against the Grain | 16 (2012) |
| Barbour Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend III | 16 (2012) |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | The Sun and The Moon | 16 (2012) |
| Oberon Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Elevations | 16 (2012) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2009 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | Elivette's Sister | 16 (2012) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 2010 TOR Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon | 16 (2012) |
| Twomey Cellars | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | SoCaRaNa | 16 (2012) |
| Buoncristiani Family Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | JAMN Black & Blue Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Continuum Estate | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | OVX vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| HALL | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Sacrashe Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Kenefick Ranch Winery | 2008 | Red Wine | Calistoga | Pickett Road Red | 15 (2011) |
| Longfellow Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Vineyard Select | 15 (2011) |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Hayne Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Terra Valentine | 2009 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | 15 (2011) | |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2008 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo IV | 14 (2010) |
| Bennett Lane | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Calistoga Appellation Lot | 14 (2010) |
| Elyse Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 (Heart Block) | 14 (2010) |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Stephanie Selection | 14 (2010) |
| Husic Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 14 (2010) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Selección Herrera | 14 (2010) |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo III | 13 (2009) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | First Born | 13 (2009) |
| Etude | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 13 (2009) |
| Page Wine Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Your Personal Stash | 13 (2009) |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Ultimate High | 13 (2009) |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Versant Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2007 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 13 (2009) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Carpignano Vineyard | 11 (2007) |
| Fantesca Estate and Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 10 (2006) | |
| Reynolds Family Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 10 (2006) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50% | Yountville | Temptress | 10 (2006) |
| ZD Wines | 2005 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Haire Vineyard 667 | 10 (2006) |
| Bennett Lane | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 9 (2005) | |
| Chappellet Winery and Vineyard | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Miner Family Winery | 2003 | 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 75%/ Petit Verdot 25% | Oakville | 9 (2005) | |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2002 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 25th Harvest Cuvee | 8 (2004) |
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.