We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you BIG news.

Today marks a new era in Wine Spies and the triumphant culmination of a years-long project to bring a much-improved experience moving forward. Many days and nights of work, millions of mgs of caffeine, and a collective effort of Agents working to make Wine Spies better than ever.

We think you’ll love it.

To kick things off, we’re pumped to announce the Next Gen Launch Party Cellar Stocker Days (NGLPCSD, it just rolls off the tongue) event - with TWO WEEKS OF EPIC deals - the best in our nearly 15-year history. Prepare to have your mind blown with an unbelievable level of vinous delights…

Welcome to the BIG LEAGUE! We’re leading off with an absolute MOON SHOT. Let’s dive right in with a striking quote from the man.

“I continue to be blown away by the wines from Russell Bevan… these are by no means shy wines, but their richness and complexity are remarkable. Despite their massive size, concentration, and density, they reveal tremendous polish, finesse and elegance.” – Robert Parker

Russel Bevan! Need we say more? Ok, we will.

He’s a larger-than-life winemaker making larger-than-life wines. The man boasts dozens of 95-100-point wines (with 15 plus 100-pointers so far including the ONLY perfect Napa red from the challenging 2011 vintage) under his belt. He makes wines for his own Bevan Cellars along with Addax since the inaugural, while consulting for a select few such as Chase, Elyse, Erba, Lerner Project, and PerUs.

He also happens to be the “chosen one” blending the ultra-rare Oakville Cuvée collaboration that requires the ultimate responsibility of picking the absolute best fruit from all members, basically, the who’s who list of Napa Valley greats. Operatives with serious cellars, listen up, and stay tuned for more on this as we MAY have a way in to privately procure some for you next week!

Back to Addax. We’re frankly SHOCKED to have any to offer.

Let alone at this price. In a world where used cars sell for more than their new counterparts, a 2x4 costs $20, and gas here in CA topping $5/gallon, we’re going in the total opposite direction here. This huge scoring, rarely seen, near-cult-level Cabernet went DOWN dramatically. Only on Wine Spies that is, and only on this glorious, historic launch day.

If you know Bevan, you know his wines are big. Nah - hulking, prodigious, palate thumpers - is a better way to describe it. This sight to behold might wear a simple “Napa Valley” designation, but OHHH just wait until you learn the sources…

Wine Advocate recently pointed out that vineyards Bevan works with “are off the beaten trail and his take on these vineyards is both singular and compelling.” The grapes here come from Screaming Eagle neighbor Tench, Houyi, and Erba vineyards - some of the most in demand, and expensive fruit you can find in the world. It’s flamboyant and flashy, with a super dense core of fruit wrapped in 100% new French Oak.

We’re hesitant to say much more. The wine speaks for itself, and with such boutique production numbers, a sell-out is inevitable.

94+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley showed nicely, with a rich, full-bodied style displaying the vibrant, fresher edge of the vintage. Lots of blue and black fruits, scorched earth, licorice, tobacco, and violet notes give way to a beautifully balanced, vibrant, lively red with outstanding purity, a touch of chalky minerality, and a great finish. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15. Drink 2023-2041.”

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a very serious nose of classic blackcurrants and cigar box with nuances of tilled earth, pencil lead and tobacco leaf. The seductive, full-bodied palate delivers bags of wonderfully pure, crunchy black and blue fruits with firm, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and lifted. Nice! Drink 2023-2038.”

93-96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Russell Bevan’s 2018s and 2019s are superb. The wines are rich, powerful and exuberant, as they always are, but they also convey tons of site character. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine I have tasted from Addax so far. The combination of freshness, energy and fruit is just fabulous. Here the balance of fruit from Houyi, Tench and Erba takes the Addax Cabernet into another realm of both nuance and dimension. The 2018 is such a promising wine. Drink 2022-2030.”