94-Point Boomslang Napa Cabernet: The Rare NV Blend to Watch

Every so often Napa serves up a curveball that lands right in the sweet spot. Boomslang Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Thurlow Cellars is one of those bottles—multi-vintage, small production, and rated 94 by Decanter. Reverse Wine Snob’s insider deal on it is already sold out, which tells you plenty about demand. But let’s talk about why this wine style is worth chasing, whether you scored it or you’re plotting your next Cab move.

Style Snapshot: What to Expect in the Glass

Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region/Appellation: Napa Valley, California

Blend/Vintage: Multi-vintage (2019–2022) from a small, family-owned vineyard

Production: Only 12 barrels

ABV: 14.3%

Style: Dry, full-bodied, structured yet smooth

Reverse Wine Snob notes classic Napa Cab signals—dark fruit, spice, and a polished frame. As they put it, “This is VERY easy to drink.” —Reverse Wine Snob. The finish? They report it “ends dry, long and lingering,” with a touch of grip and even smoother texture on day two. In other words: generous fruit wrapped in good bones, not a jam bomb.

Why a Multi‑Vintage Napa Cabernet Matters

In Champagne and Port, blending across vintages is standard. In Napa Cabernet? Not so much. That’s exactly why this bottling stands out. Reverse Wine Snob calls out the unusual format and the upside: blending lets a skilled winemaker harmonize strengths across seasons, often yielding more balance and consistency. Their take mirrors the Decanter enthusiasm that awarded 94 points—proof that great California wine doesn’t have to be married to a single vintage to be serious.

There’s bona fide pedigree here, too. Winemaker Kevin Morrisey’s resume includes Ehlers Estate, Stags Leap, and even time at Petrus—yes, that Petrus. The fruit is from 35-year-old Napa vines (originally planted in 1986) on rocky, sparse soils with low yields. That “low and slow” vine life typically concentrates flavor and structure. Or as the source highlights succinctly, “Only 12 barrels were blended.” —Reverse Wine Snob. That’s tiny production by any Napa measure, and it helps explain the rapid sellout.

For context, Napa Cabernet is known for full body, ripe dark fruit, and supportive tannins, often shaped by a mix of French oak, elevation, and sunshine. Boomslang tracks that profile but the multi-vintage angle can dial in seamlessness—more balance, less vintage whiplash. Reverse Wine Snob also gives it a high 9 on their taste scale (roughly 92–93), placing it firmly in the “buy with confidence” zone for Cab drinkers who want structure without austerity.

Who Will Love This Wine (and How to Use It)

If you gravitate toward Napa Cab that’s plush but not overdone, this is your lane. The notes of dark berries, licorice, vanilla, cedar, and spice suggest a dry, modern style that’s ready to enjoy now, with the tannic grip to play nicely alongside protein and time in glass. The “smoother on day 2” detail hints at short-term aging potential or at least benefits from a decant.

Best occasion: Dinner-party anchor bottle, celebration steak night, or a small gathering where you actually talk about the wine—because there’s a story here beyond the glossy fruit.

Best pairing direction: Grilled or pan-seared red meats (ribeye, lamb chops), mushroom-heavy dishes, or aged hard cheeses. Think savory, char, umami. Keep sauces more pepper/rosemary than sweet glaze to let the Cabernet’s structure shine.

The Takeaway: Follow the Signal, Not Just the Sale

Yes, the Reverse Wine Snob deal is toast—but the bigger signal is clear. Multi-vintage Napa Cabernet, when done by a thoughtful producer, can deliver serious quality with a distinct point of view. It’s not the standard script, but that’s exactly why it’s interesting. If you see Boomslang pop back up, or spot another small-lot Napa NV Cab with similar credentials—old vines, low yields, experienced winemaker—it’s worth a hard look. Or as the source sums up the drinkability angle, “This is VERY easy to drink.” —Reverse Wine Snob.

In a sea of single-vintage labels, the right NV blend can surf its own perfect line: ripe Napa fruit, tailored balance, and the kind of polish that makes a bottle disappear a little too fast.

Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/insider-deal-boomslang-napa-cabernet/