I love to learn new stories in the wine world, especially when those stories sprout from within the web of the older, already established ones. Priest Ranch, set in the eastern Vaca Range, is an example, as the historical property dates back to the 1860s.  

And, while this is incredibly cool on its own, what is truly outstanding about the Priest Ranch wines is their sky-high value:quality ratio in a region that favors painfully expensive price points.

91
Priest Ranch 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley 14.9% $50
Inviting, intense and exotic on the nose, this lusty Cabernet Sauvignon - composed of 24 different blocks - tastes like textbook Cabernet Sauvignon. It teems with blackberries and black currants overlaid with the aromatic flair of eucalyptus. The tannins burst with ripeness and leave only a touch of grip on the lingering, fruit-filled finish. The vibrant acidity blends smartly with the lightly viscous mid-palate to create ample freshness.  

I wonder what the neighbors think about the gentle pricing of these wines? They offer killer value with a Napa Valley pedigree. They also offer excellent and immediate drinkability, even if there is no reason to make haste for the corkscrew.
Drink: 2020-26 

89
Priest Ranch 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown Napa Valley 14.3% $22
This is an aromatically elegant Napa Sauvignon Blanc, and it nicely juxtaposes this discreetness with a bold show of Napa Valley fruit and weight. That written, while the heft is there, the alcohol is supremely balanced.  The aromas show a blend of freshly squeezed lemons and limes. The palate works in the same vein while exhibiting unobtrusive, integrated acidity and a lightly leafy finish. 

It's not easy to find smaller-production Napa Sauvignon Blanc under $30 for a 750 ml. When you do, it is rarely of this quality. This is a great buy for summer entertaining! It comes from three vineyard blocks and all of the juice is fermented by native yeasts.
Drink: 2020-22