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Retail Price
 $140.00 

Today's Price - 65% OFF
$49.00

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Taplin Cellars
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Napa Valley
Terra 9

Aged to perfection at 10+ years.

94 Point Vintage — Wine Spectator, rated the 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage 94 points, showcasing another phenomenal year of power and balance.

The prior vintage allocation of the 2014 vanished completely. But a direct call from the winery revealed a surprise: they were sitting on a half pallet of the 2015 library reserve aging gracefully in the cellar. Fully ready to open and pour tonight with zero decanting required.

When 100-point winemaker Julien Fayard—formerly of (Lafite Rothschild, Realm, Quintessa)—set out to craft the 2015 Terra 9, he had a single goal: deliver classical Bordeaux precision anchored in pure St. Helena power.

Opens with a deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity.  The nose unfolds with explosive black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers classic St. Helena generosity: dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh.  Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone.

Drink Window: Uncork tonight—or hold comfortably through 2040.

Why This Bottle Overdelivers:

• Elite Winemaking Pedigree:  Winemaker Julien Fayard is one of Napa’s most respected talents, bringing his classical French training to the estate. Napa Cabernets crafted by winemakers of this caliber frequently retail north of $150–$200.
• The "Terra 9" Terroir:  Born from an estate that has farmed the Silverado Trail since 1871 (and historically supplied fruit to legendary houses like Caymus and Orin Swift), the "Terra 9" vineyard translates to nine parts rock and one part dirt. That extreme, stony terroir stresses the vines, creating concentrated, iron-rich berries with electric minerality.
• Peak Drinking Window:  At a decade post-vintage, this 2015 is sitting in its absolute prime—offering complex, fully integrated maturity without requiring another day in the cellar.

Food Pairings
Grilled Ribeye, Roasted Rack of Lamb, or Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Wild Mushroom Risotto or Truffle-infused Polenta
Aged Gouda, Sharp English Cheddar, or Parmigiano-Reggiano

2015 Vintage
The 2015 growing season was a roller coaster of hot and cold spells, severe multi-year drought, a cold spell during fruit set, and isolated hail. A late-summer heatwave marked 2015 as a richer vintage for the estate, with round, juicy fruit and excellent aromatic concentration. Vineyard sun shades preserved freshness through the heat and ensured balance in the finished wine. Rather than becoming overripe or jammy, the vintage delivered vibrant fresh fruit, ripe and supple tannins, and balanced acidity.

Napa Valley
A perfect blend of warm, dry summers for ripening and cooling coastal fog/breezes that preserve acidity.  The region features 33 different soil types—roughly half the world's soil orders—ranging from volcanic to alluvial fan, contributing to flavor complexity.  Vineyards are situated across valley floors and mountainous terrain (Vaca and Mayacamas ranges), creating distinct sub-appellations with unique characteristics.  Known for high-quality, with a strong focus on producing premium, internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon.  The region's consistent climate allows for long "hang time" on the vine, enabling grapes to develop deep, concentrated flavors.

100 Point Winemaker, Julien Fayard 
With more than two decades of winemaking expertise, Fayard is one of Napa Valley's most respected winemakers producing California varietals with French finesse. Julien's wines are a pure expression of their terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil and climate. Originally from France.  In Bordeaux he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before relocating to Napa Valley.  In Napa, Julien Fayard spent eight years under Philippe Melka's tutelage, he was Melka's director of winemaking for a few years before launching his own projects.

Winemaker:  Julien Fayard
Varietal:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation:  St. Helena, Napa Valley
Harvest:  September 1–September 14
Aging:  22 months in French oak barrels (60% new)
Barrels:  50% new French Oak barrels
Alcohol:  14.2%

Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes

More About Taplin Cellars

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