2019 Pulido-Walker Policy Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Pulido-Walker was founded by Mark Pulido and Donna Walker, a couple who both had careers in the pharmaceutical industry before devoting most of their time to their Mr. Veeder wine venture. One sign of their commitment to winemaking is that they have hired Thomas Rivers Brown as their winemaker. Brown is one of Napa’s most acclaimed, and busiest, winemakers. Their debut releases were two 2010 single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. The 11.5-acre estate vineyard is in the Mt. Veeder appellation. Grapes also are sourced from Panek and Melanson Vineyards, both in St. Helena. Wines are generally available only through the estate’s mailing list. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called Pulido-Walker Cabs “super-impressive wines.”

Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.