About the Wine

J. Derek Beitler, winemaker and owner of JDB Wines, producer of Cerro, comes from a winemaking family that’s as well regarded as any in Napa. You may have heard of his uncle, Charlie Wagner, founder of Caymus. His brother owns Bohème in Sonoma.

Derek does not rest on the successes of his family, though. He spent his summers working at Caymus while in college and continues the pursuit of perfection in crafting his namesake wines. He now owns two wineries—Carne Humana Winery in Napa which he founded with his cousin Joey Wagner in 2010. But before that, he started his solo venture, JDB Wines, in 2007.

When someone who cut his teeth in the wine business at Caymus makes a Napa Red, you pay attention. That’s a good thing because the Cerro wines deserve your attention. It comes from a vineyard situated along the northern edge of the Oak Knoll District (covered by an NDA because other wines from here sell for $250+). Located in the southern part of Napa, the cooling effect from San Pablo Bay keeps the climate temperate, creating a fresh, restrained profile. 

2018 was an iconic year for Napa Valley. Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a "Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

Aging: 40% new French oak barrels

Tasting Notes: 55% Petit Verdot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah. A bold and rustic blend showcasing three brawny varietals in a polished napa style. Petit verdot is sourced from two choice vineyard blocks in Rutherford and Oak Knoll, forming the core of the blend. This supple-tannined framework is braced by Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon and fleshed out with the soft fruit and inky freshness of Petite Sirah. Dark Violet in color with heady aromas of dark berries dried flowers and leather.

Reviews

~94 Beverage Tasting Institute

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