- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
TASTING NOTES
Crafted by Chuck Wagner, the iconic vintner behind Caymus Vineyards, Bonanza Lot 1 The Vinekeeper Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and generous expression of what makes Napa Valley world-renowned. With this inaugural release, Wagner applies his decades of expertise to create a wine that is lush, polished, and irresistibly drinkable. Lot 1 is a tribute to the valley’s legendary Cabernet character—structured yet silky, expressive yet balanced—delivering pure pleasure in every glass.
From the first pour, the wine reveals a deep ruby hue with a dark, opaque core. Aromatically, it opens with a rush of ripe black cherry, cassis, and sun-warmed blackberry, followed by subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and sweet tobacco leaf. Swirling brings out layers of cedar, dried herbs, and a whisper of baking spice, showcasing a Cabernet Sauvignon that is both classic and charismatic. There’s a richness and aromatic layering here that immediately announces Napa pedigree.
On the palate, Bonanza Lot 1 is full-bodied and velvety, with concentrated black fruit flavors leading the charge. Blackcurrant, dark plum, and chocolate-covered espresso beans glide effortlessly across the tongue, supported by supple tannins and a gentle lift of acidity. Hints of toasted oak and clove provide a refined frame, rounding out the experience without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, smooth, and satisfying, echoing with flavors of dark berries and a touch of spice.
This wine delivers the hallmarks of great Napa Valley Cabernet—depth, ripeness, and elegance—with the signature Wagner approachability. It’s crafted with care from premium vineyard sites across Napa Valley, hand-selected to emphasize flavor and finesse. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that feels luxurious without being intimidating, expressive without being overpowering.
Bonanza Lot 1 The Vinekeeper stands as a testament to Wagner’s ability to produce wines that resonate with both casual enthusiasts and serious collectors. It offers the richness and style Napa Cabernet lovers crave, presented with integrity and a sense of ease. Whether served alongside grilled ribeye, short ribs, or mushroom risotto, this wine elevates every moment with its generous character and Napa Valley soul. With The Vinekeeper, Chuck Wagner once again proves that great wine doesn’t need to shout—it simply speaks for itself.
Alcohol: 14.1%
From the first pour, the wine reveals a deep ruby hue with a dark, opaque core. Aromatically, it opens with a rush of ripe black cherry, cassis, and sun-warmed blackberry, followed by subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and sweet tobacco leaf. Swirling brings out layers of cedar, dried herbs, and a whisper of baking spice, showcasing a Cabernet Sauvignon that is both classic and charismatic. There’s a richness and aromatic layering here that immediately announces Napa pedigree.
On the palate, Bonanza Lot 1 is full-bodied and velvety, with concentrated black fruit flavors leading the charge. Blackcurrant, dark plum, and chocolate-covered espresso beans glide effortlessly across the tongue, supported by supple tannins and a gentle lift of acidity. Hints of toasted oak and clove provide a refined frame, rounding out the experience without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, smooth, and satisfying, echoing with flavors of dark berries and a touch of spice.
This wine delivers the hallmarks of great Napa Valley Cabernet—depth, ripeness, and elegance—with the signature Wagner approachability. It’s crafted with care from premium vineyard sites across Napa Valley, hand-selected to emphasize flavor and finesse. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that feels luxurious without being intimidating, expressive without being overpowering.
Bonanza Lot 1 The Vinekeeper stands as a testament to Wagner’s ability to produce wines that resonate with both casual enthusiasts and serious collectors. It offers the richness and style Napa Cabernet lovers crave, presented with integrity and a sense of ease. Whether served alongside grilled ribeye, short ribs, or mushroom risotto, this wine elevates every moment with its generous character and Napa Valley soul. With The Vinekeeper, Chuck Wagner once again proves that great wine doesn’t need to shout—it simply speaks for itself.
Alcohol: 14.1%
Socially Rated 4 / 5 ⭐
We started making Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019 and have been on a path of discovery ever since, as we explore vineyard sites off the beaten track that produce delicious Cabernet Sauvignon throughout California. "The Vinekeeper" will showcase different areas over time - this debut comes from Napa Valley, renowned for its unique ability to produce exciting wine. Beautifully balanced - rich, fruit-driven, round and ripe.