This Cabernet Sauvignon from Steven Kent Winery comes from the Home Ranch in the Tesla District, blended with Merlot from Zayante Vineyard and Cabernet Franc from Ghielmetti Vineyard. Each component was vinified separately in open-topped 1.75-ton bins, inoculated for primary fermentation, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Wines were punched down for extraction and aged in neutral puncheons and one second-use barrel. And it’s downright delicious—exciting, fresh, and inviting. I want a case right now, and so do you. Here’s why: the nose is beautifully refined, with nuances of tobacco and sagebrush layered over black and red currant fruit. On the medium-bodied palate, generous, plump tannins provide a firm structure for all that ripe fruit and savory spice. Notes of curry, cardamom, and dark sea salt emerge on the long, expressive finish. As polished and compelling as Cabernet blends get from Livermore Valley.