Mission Codename Co ho ho
“COHO are all big, overt and totally delicious.” – Robert Parker
Big. Overt. Delicious.
Headwaters in the house! Many readers saw the name and skipped straight to the checkout. A perennial bestseller, Coho is always one of our most popular offers year in, and year out.
With 100-point winemaker Philip Titus at the helm, the quality is no surprise.
But the value? That’s where it goes off the rails. Year after year, COHO delivers some of the most consistent value in wine.
And that’s at their full retail prices.
At more than a third off despite the big scores?? From one of the greatest Napa Valley vintages in recent years? Lock some down NOW because we have less than normal…
COHO has a well-earned reputation for making Bordeaux-style reds that punch way above their weight class. Proprietor Gary Lipp focuses on Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region, where cooler temperatures enable the fruit to develop concentrated flavors at higher ripeness levels with refreshing, balancing acidity. It helps to have winemaker Phillip Titus along for the ride. A name you may recall from his longstanding work at Chappellet, consistently churning some of the best of Napa on Pritchard Hill.
This is serious, brawny, “flex your biceps” stuff. LUSH and heady and definitely not a one-trick MMA bruiser with a mean roundhouse kick. Plenty of finesse and multi-dimensional deliciousness as it goes all Krav Maga on your palate, bending your taste buds into submission. The blend changes each year, this one is driven by Merlot with others supporting a softer, plusher, riper side. A potent mixture of pristine fruit and savory elements within. Fruitful, raspberry, blackberry, plum, currant, earthy too with tobacco, licorice, 70% dark chocolate, toasty French oak, and soft tannins.
We begged for more but have barely enough for a sleepy Saturday offer. Move quickly to get yours!
93 Points – Wine Spectator
“Ripe but fresh, this lets alluring boysenberry and mulberry notes stretch out slowly, with a mix of singed apple wood and anise playing a supporting role. Reveals light bramble and violet hints that peek in on the well-fruited finish. Shows good embedded energy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2035. 810 cases made.”
93 Points – James Suckling
“Dark plums, mulberries, cloves and earthy undertones. It’s full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Full and fruity with structure and freshness on the palate. Long finish. Very polished. Drink in 2023.”
What the Winery Says
2018 'Headwaters' Napa Valley Red
- Winemaker
- Philip Titus
- Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2018
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Pre-fermentation
- 3-day 100% whole berry cold soak
- Fermentation
- 8 days with 8 days extended maceration
- Bottling date
- August 22, 2020
- Release date
- October 2021
- Aging
- 21 months
- Barrels
- 45% new French oak