Jesse Katz’s resume reads like a rock star’s telephone book. He’s one of America’s hottest young winemakers, whose wines have sold for up to $1 million at auction. But don’t panic. He’s made this top-quality Alexander Valley Cab Sav for us at Angel Prices.

Jesse sources his fruit from the best cool vineyard sites throughout Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, where the soils, climate and topography give the grapes a unique combination of richness and freshness. The grapes were all hand harvested and fermented in the best French oak barrels for 24 months at Jesse’s state of the art winery. The result is a classy and complex, yet deliciously rich blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot which hits every pleasure spot known to wine lovers.

The aromas just make you want to dive head first into the glass - waves of blackberries, blackcurrants, herbal notes and a subtle thread of vanilla from the oak. The palate is… if we had to sum it up in two words… concentrated decadence. Heaps of dark fruit all wrapped in a glossy sheen and with a power that belies the elegance of the wine. The chalky tannins are heaven itself. But it’s the endless length that impresses most. This is truly world class winemaking that will stand out from any other Sonoma Cab you’ve ever tried.

It’s been a while since we got our hands on a wine of this pedigree at this price. The Altschwagers and the Kenneallys are two couples who together make some of Naked Australia’s most loved wines, but a bumper 2021 vintage has left them with a cellar-full of premium McLaren Vale Shiraz they need to ship out to make room for the next vintage. They could recoup those costs handsomely by selling it at silly money on the wine markets. But their first thought was to offer it to UK Angels to see if they wanted to get their hands on it first.

A&K’s Culley Road vineyard in McLaren Vale isn’t just any old plot of land. The vines are superstars — flavour-packed grapes that used to make their way into Penfolds wines that would set you back $150 in an Aussie off licence. 

The wine has a big nose full of ripe fruits, cherries and blackcurrants, with notes of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, peppermint, liquorice and subtle pepper.  The flavours are equally big, bold and intense, but with a silky smooth mouthfeel and velvety tannins. It's all about the fruit, and it shouts quality.