2018 Gandona Estate 'Encosta' Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“First made in 2009 and coming from Pritchard Hill, Gandona is produced with consulting help from the talented Philippe Melka.” – Jeb Dunnuck

One of the hottest new projects around is back, and it’s just a question of time before every bottle is gone, once again.

The price?! $100-130 out there. Under $50 on Wine Spies.

Perched way above the valley floor overlooking Lake Hennessey, you’ll find Gandona Estate. Tucked between Colgin, Bryant Family and Chappellet this relatively new winery has been making serious moves and pulling out all the stops as they punch their way to the top.

Gandona is the vision of Manuel Pires come to life. He grew up in Douro, Portugal, on the family farm and always wanted to return to those farming roots. With a fortune made in the electronic key control business he set to work purchasing an estate on Pritchard Hill. The name “Gandona” is Portuguese for “hillside.” He planted 12 blocks of vines on the steep terrain. Then he signed Phillipe Melka on to make the wine. No expense was spared - from the excavated caves to the barrel program.

Encosta (beginning in Portuguese) is the entry-level Gandona, but it’s anything but that. Meant to be enjoyed early, it boasts ripe and forward fruits, with minerality, spices, and a general sophistication. Ripe blueberries, brambly blackberries, sweet violets up front with snappy black licorice, toasty spices, and cedar lingering out back. Chewy, dusty tannins, and a fairly nice acidity add to the equation, and the sum equals one fantastic Cabernet.

Very, very little of this one. Move quickly!

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate “Composed of 91.78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.22% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Encosta has a deep garnet-purple color and explodes with a wall of fruit aromas - blackcurrant jelly, baked black cherries, blueberry compote and boysenberries - with underlying suggestions of cedar, cardamom and Indian spices plus a waft of menthol. Big, rich and full-bodied in the mouth, it has a beautiful velvety texture and loads of spicy sparks, finishing with a refreshing lift. Drink 2022-2035”