To the east, the famed Stags Leap Palisades loom over Cliff Ledes Poetry Vineyard, which produces Ledes $350 100-pointer. To the south is Joseph Phelps Barboza Vineyard, which provides a key Stags Leap component to Phelpss immortal Insignia.

Its from a minuscule plot at this very intersection that Dolum Estates sourced most of the fruit from their 2020 Cask #28 Cabernet Sauvignon SLD Napa Valley. The result is precisely the kind of Cabernet youd expect from this big-money Napa Valley sweet spot.

Impeccably sourced, guided to the bottle by a dyed-in-the-wool Napa Valley veteran, this bottle packs the powerful, elegant, luxurious punch that typifies the famed Stags Leap District. Its a place where even the most basic bottles can cost triple digits, and this one delivers quality right on par with its brethrenand its $120 winery price. Today, weve got it for Wine Access members for just $45, a stunning 62% off.

He first dragged hoses as a teenager at Hess collection in 1985, and worked there all through college. Eventually this Mount Veeder local worked his way up to become head winemaker at Robert Craig Winery, crafting many critically acclaimed Cabernets. Since 2006, he's been a consulting winemaker in high demand by names like V12, Reilly Family, and Rahn Estate. Hes also the head winemaker for Dolum Estates.

Dolum is known for making exquisite Cabernet by dint of obsessive sourcing: They tap some of the top AVAs and terroir in Napa Valley, often omitting the source from the label, to produce wines that deliver outstanding quality. This bottle, which is sourced chiefly from Stags Leap but also from the high-rent districts of Oakville and Pritchard Hill, is a prime example of what the winery, guided by Alexanders expert hand, does best.

You wouldnt bat an eye at the winery price if you tasted this bottle blind alongside Stags Leaps better-known labels. To get this bottle for under $50thats a run-dont-walk kind of deal.