Why a 94-Point Multi‑Vintage Napa Cabernet Is Worth Your Hunt
Napa Cabernet isn’t exactly shy about showing up with swagger, but every now and then a bottle earns it. Case in point: Boomslang Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Thurlow Cellars, a multi‑vintage, 100% Cabernet that Reverse Wine Snob rated highly and Decanter scored 94 points. The deal that sparked the buzz is sold out, but the bigger story—why this style works and who it’s for—deserves your glass time.
Why This Matters
The wine world moves fast, and this story captures a pivotal moment. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated collector, understanding these shifts helps you make smarter choices about what ends up in your glass.
Reverse Wine Snob’s take reads like a love note to well‑judged Napa Cab richness. They highlight dark berries, licorice, vanilla, cedar, and a finish that lingers. Their bottom line? Smooth structure without bravado. Or as they put it:
“This is VERY easy to drink.”
Built by winemaker Kevin Morrisey (Ehlers Estate, Stags Leap, and even time with Petrus on the resume), Boomslang pulls fruit from a small, family‑owned vineyard planted in 1986. Production is tiny—
“Only 12 barrels were blended.”
Translation: if you blinked, you missed it. But this is exactly the type of Napa Cabernet worth learning from—especially if you usually side‑eye non‑vintage labels.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Napa Valley Cabernet, Multi-vintage, Thurlow Cellars—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Style Snapshot: What to expect in the glass
- Grape/Region: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
- Dryness/Body: Dry and full‑bodied, with the structure you expect from serious Napa Cab.
- Flavor profile (per Reverse Wine Snob): dark berries, licorice, vanilla, cedar; rich, balanced, smooth mouthfeel; a long, dry finish with a touch of grip.
- Alcohol: 14.3% ABV (from the winery info in the source).
- Aging feel: Oak is present but supportive—think spice and polish, not perfume overload.
If you know Napa Cab, you know the archetype: generous fruit, firm but ripe tannins, and oak that adds gloss. Boomslang stays in that lane but feels thoughtfully blended—more symphony than solo shred.
Context: Why multi‑vintage Napa Cab matters
Non‑vintage still wines are rare in California, especially at the higher end. Champagne? Totally normal. Napa? Less so. That’s exactly why Boomslang is interesting. Blending across vintages (2019–2022 here) gives a skilled winemaker more colors to paint with: freshness from one year, depth from another, finesse from a third. The result can be more consistent complexity—and in this case, the critics clearly liked the picture.
Thurlow Cellars also emphasizes high‑elevation sourcing in its broader ethos (sites above 1,500 feet), which tends to mean cooler nights, better drainage, and slower ripening—code for acidity and detail. For Boomslang specifically, the fruit comes from an older, rocky, low‑yield site planted in 1986—another classic path to concentration without heaviness. Put simply: ripe Napa power, tuned for balance.
Reverse Wine Snob points out that the multi‑vintage approach may keep some buyers hesitant, but here it’s a feature, not a flaw. As they note, the wine carries a 94‑point Decanter score alongside their own strong taste rating. And honestly, I wish more California producers felt free to take this route when the blend demands it.
Buy intent: Who will love this
If you’re into modern‑classic Napa Cab—silky tannins, ripe black fruit, measured oak—this should be right in the pocket. The source review also mentions it was even smoother on day two, which is a good sign for cellaring potential in the short term (think 3–5 years) or at least decanting when you crack it.
Best occasion: Big dinner with minimal fuss. Think celebratory steak night, promotion, parents in town—moments where the bottle needs to carry the vibe.
Best pairing direction: Grilled or roasted red meats, portobello mushrooms with a sear, or aged cheddar. Keep the sauce savory, not sweet, and let the wine’s dark‑fruit core and spice lift the plate.
The takeaway
Boomslang shows how non‑vintage Napa Cab can be a smart, quality‑first choice—especially when it’s a limited, 12‑barrel project from a seasoned winemaker. The deal that sparked this is gone, but the lesson sticks: when you see multi‑vintage Napa Cab done right, don’t overthink the label. Trust the blend, and trust the source.
Note: I didn’t taste this bottle; I’m interpreting style and context from the original review and winery details in the source.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/insider-deal-boomslang-napa-cabernet/