2013 Tamber Bey Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 3-bottle Lot

Tamber Bey Vineyards was founded in 1999, when Barry Waitte purchased a 60-acre vineyard in Yountville and 11 acres in the Oakville appellation. For several years Waitte called his estate the Two Rivers Vineyard, then changed it to Deux Chevaux. In 2000 he hired winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and changed the name of the company a few years later to Tamber Bey Vineyards. Today the winemaker is Frederic Delivert. The estate also includes an equestrian facility. Tamber Bey makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux blends, as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

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.