The 2010 King’s Row will go down in history as one of the classic Cabernet releases from this illustrious vintage. The bouquet is loaded with plum, spicebox, and chocolate-covered cherry. A exemplary Cabernet palate of dark berries, nutmeg, cedar and creme de cassis combine for an immensely satisfying experience. The seemingly endless finish lingers pleasantly on the palate for a full 60 seconds with hints of dark cocoa and vanilla cream. This tremendous age-worthy effort is delicious now (after decanting) and promises to deliver joy for the next decade.

Checkerboard Winery

Checkerboard Vineyards is nestled in the Calistoga hillside, amonst the Mayacamas mountain range on Napa Valley's western side. Winemaker Martha McClellan (who also makes wine at Sloan Estate) oversees their small production, which primarily includes two Cabernet-based bottlings: King's Row and the Checkerboard Estate red.