AEQuitas 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2022 AEQuitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, complex expression of Napa Valley winemaking that beautifully highlights its high-elevation terroir. Grown at 800 feet above the cloud line in the Atlas Peak sub-appellation, the grapes benefit from warm days and cool nights, yielding a rich, concentrated profile. On the nose, the wine presents a luxurious and deeply expressive bouquet balancing dark cherry, blackberry, and mulberry with aromatic baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco, espresso, and dark chocolate. The palate follows through with deep, dark fruit layers of plum and dark berries, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins that provide a lingering, structured grip and excellent balance.

This single-varietal bottling is crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested from the AEQuitas Vineyards property. Planted in 2010 on rugged, volcanic hillsides, these vines produce low yields of highly concentrated berries. The structural properties of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape—notably its naturally thick skins—impart deep ruby color, high tannin levels, and solid acidity, allowing the wine to maintain its freshness while offering remarkable aging potential.

Because of its bold, structured nature and plush tannic profile, this wine demands rich, savory dishes that can stand up to its intensity. The classic pairing for this Napa Valley Cabernet is high-protein red meat, such as a grilled ribeye steak, prime rib, or slow-cooked lamb shanks; the fat and umami in the meat perfectly soften the wine's tannins while accentuating its dark fruit characteristics. For a casual yet elevated pairing, it matches beautifully with a gourmet bacon burger topped with smoked Gouda or aged cheddar. Excellent plant-based options include fire-roasted portobello mushrooms brushed with olive oil or a savory lentil-walnut pâté, both of which complement the wine's earthy undertones without being overwhelmed by its full body.