2019 Taken Wine Co. Red Napa Valley

Two sons of Napa, one shared idea. Josh Phelps grew up around his father Chris Phelps's cellars, a career that ran through Bordeaux, Dominus, and Caymus. Carlo Trinchero grew up in the Trinchero family's St. Helena winemaking business. In 2010 the two friends started Taken together, and this red blend was the first wine they made.

It breaks the Napa script. Cabernet Sauvignon leads at 43%, but nearly a quarter of the blend is Zinfandel, with Merlot, Malbec, and a little Pinot Noir filling it out. The Cabernet gives the wine its frame; the Zinfandel brings bramble, spice, and a generous, plush middle.

2019, now in its window. Six years in bottle have rounded the edges. Natalie MacLean called it "vibrant and plushy" and gave it 92 points, with a drinking window through 2026, so this is the moment to open it.

2019 was a fabulous year for Napa Valley. Wine Spectator awarded this year a 97-point score, and Vinous Media gave it 96 points saying that "The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets have turned out beautifully. 2019 is a very high-quality vintage of Cabernets that will be easy to drink and enjoy with minimal cellaring. The extra kick of late heat softened the tannins, making the wines a pleasure to taste and drink."