70%-Off Limited-Production Library Cabernet Release

We just secured a library parcel from a tiny estate in Glen Ellen that flies well under the radar of critics and most wine drinkers. Tom Cassata founded Cassata Sonoma Family Vineyard in 2002, where he farms bio-sustainably with his daughter, turning out a mere 1,500 cases annually. The 20212 Utopmium has some serious creds as well—the wine is made by Jeff Baker (formerly of Mayacamas), and sourced from a vineyard next door to the famed Pagani Ranch. Domestic buyer Ryan Woodhouse once again worked his magic to secure a jaw-dropping price, making this an awesome opportunity to load up on a complex and dynamic aged Cab that's ready to delight on the daily.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 27, 2024

To be totally honest with you I had never heard of these wines before. However, after learning Jeff Baker made the wine, my interest was piqued. Jeff started his long career at the iconic Mayacamas Vineyards in the 1970s. He then made the wines at Carmenet on Moon Mountain for 20 years, and is now co-owner / winemaker at Stone Edge Farm with viticulturalist Phil Coturri. Cassata is a small, family-owned estate, on the eastern bench of Sonoma Valley right next to Ridge Vineyards' historic Pagani Ranch, just outside the town of Glen Ellen. The vineyard was planted in the early 2000s and is farmed using organic and biodynamic methods.

A soon as I pulled the cork on the 2012 Utopium Cabernet I knew it was going to be a winner! It's an absolutely perfectly aged Cabernet, in the prime sweet spot for drinking. Complex development from 10+ years in bottle mean this wine is sitting right where the beautiful blackcurrant and elderberry fruit mingles with leather, spice box, tobacco leaf, dried porcini, graphite, turned earth. It still has lovely plush fruit and a suave texture on the mid-palate, but the secondary aromas and flavors are coming through beautifully. This could definitely pass for a 10-year-old, warmer vintage Bordeaux, or even a more restrained style of aged Napa Cab. I don't remember a time I came across a more beautiful aged, classically styled bottle of Cabernet with this much interest and immaculate balance for such a ludicrously low price point. Honestly, I've had many many far more expensive bottles from iconic estates across the world that don't offer anything more impressive than this little under the radar gem. This is a K&L sleeper for sure!