We taste a lot of wines. And many are like that “pain box” in Dune. But instead of sticking our hands in, our tongues get flogged by VA, walloped by oak, and subjected to all kinds of terrible treatment.

But when a Maroon lands? Never a question. Reliable as the Atreides themselves.

And if the thought of paying $150-$200 makes you feel like chewing on tinfoil while getting your teeth drilled, we have the relief.

95 POINTS! (add a 94…) And a steep 70% discount! From the sublime 2019 vintage?!

Chris Corley has been making the wines since the very first vintage 20+ years ago and has only improved over time. With fruit from the Coombsville Estate Vineyard on the eastern edge of the Napa Valley, cool Coombsville is the next frontier for cult reds that offer the best of both worlds in Cabernet making, fresh acidity due to the perennial breezes and perfect ripeness with the cloudless days of sunshine.

It makes perfect sense to see Andy Erickson of Screaming Eagle fame invest here for his own Favia label, along with forward-thinking names like Paul Hobbs, Purlieu, Farella, Realm, Rewa, and Meteor all sourcing from vineyards surrounding Maroon. Expect to dig far deeper into your wallet for those…

Dark, and powerful but not over-extracted. Or “suave, ripe-tasting and deep” as Wine Enthusiast says. It won’t thump you over the head with thick, heavy fruit. Medium to full, brooding with blackberry, red currant, worn leather, cigar box, cedar, and cherry jam. Has a pleasant spicy/savory balance to the fruit. Tannins are resolved, fine-grained, while still soft, and silky. It’s young but drinking wonderfully. And has the stuffing to last until the California coastline encroaches on Nevada.

Maroon has been a favorite here for our 15+ year existence. For good reason. They always deliver the goods and offer compelling value at our insane low $50s pricing today.

95 Points – The Wine Independent

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of blackberry pie, black cherry preserves, and warm cassis leap from the glass, leading to wafts of violets, mint tea, and tar with a hint of licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully soft-spoken and savory, with nice, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness to support, finishing long and mineral laced. Drink 2025-2045.”

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Suave, ripe-tasting and deep, this well-structured and well-balanced wine has the full tannins and full body to match the richness of a T-bone and the polish to keep it smooth around the edges, even tempting to sip alone. Best from 2025–2032.”