Durant & Booth Bourbon Barrel Aged Napa Cabernet 2020

The Durant & Booth 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-throttle red that blends classic Napa richness with a smoky, indulgent twist. Sourced from prime AVAs like Rutherford and St. Helena, this Cabernet opens with lush aromas of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, layered with hints of smoked meat, vanilla, and incense. What sets it apart is the aging process—partially matured in used bourbon barrels, which infuses the wine with notes of caramel, brown sugar, baking spice, and a kiss of charred oak. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and plush, with structured tannins, deep dark fruit, and a savory, spice-driven finish that lingers with intensity. The bourbon barrel influence doesn’t overwhelm, it enhances, adding complexity and warmth to the wine’s bold frame. Awarded a Gold Medal and 91 points by the Sommeliers Choice Awards, this wine delivers power, polish, and personality in equal measure. It's a striking twist on Napa Cabernet that drinks like a story—rich, layered, and a little rebellious.

The Durant & Booth 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Napa Cabernet is a flavor powerhouse that begs for bold, savory dishes. Its dark fruit, smoky spice, and bourbon-kissed richness make it a dream alongside grilled ribeye, charred lamb chops, or slow-braised short ribs, meals with enough depth to match the wine’s intensity. The toasty notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak from the bourbon barrel aging elevate BBQ-glazed pork, smoked brisket, or even bacon-wrapped meatloaf to another level. Earthy fare like mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables brings out the wine’s more savory, nuanced side, while sharp aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda amplify its structure and spice. Whether it’s pepper-crusted steak or bourbon-marinated anything, this Cabernet doesn’t just pair, it dominates, turning any meal into a full-on flavor experience.

At the heart of Napa Valley’s famed Oakville district, Durant & Booth isn’t just a winery, it’s a story steeped in grit, charm, and bootlegging lore. The brand’s roots trace back to 1897, when Frederick Durant teamed up with brothers Joseph and Willis Booth to run the Oakville Grocery & Mercantile. This humble store quickly became a local landmark, a place where townsfolk could grab supplies, trade stories, and if you knew who to ask pick up a bottle of something stronger during Prohibition. Durant lived in the iconic Victorian house next door until 1943, setting the foundation for a legacy that would be reborn more than a century later.

Fast forward to 2012, when Boisset Collection revived the Durant & Booth name, launching a boutique winery that blends Napa pedigree with a touch of rebellious flair. Though the tasting salon in the restored Victorian briefly welcomed visitors (2016–2018), the real draw has always been in the bottle. The winery sources fruit from prestigious AVAs like Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga, crafting bold, expressive wines with a signature edge.

Their flagship? A Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, a Napa classic with a smoky, spiced twist, aged in used bourbon and American oak barrels for added depth and swagger. Under the eye of winemaker Thane Knutson, each small-lot wine (often under 2,500 cases) is handcrafted with native yeast fermentation, extended maceration, and rich, textured oak aging.

Durant & Booth delivers premium Napa Valley intensity with an outlaw soul, where history, craftsmanship, and a touch of rebellion collide in the glass. It’s heritage reimagined, and a bold new chapter in Oakville’s ever-evolving wine story.