The Cab Drop: November and December News

Harvest is in, and Napa Valley has gone quiet in the best way. The last picks are behind us, the vines are turning gold, amber and rust, and the new Cabernet is settling into barrel. It’s a lovely time of year: cool mornings, long gatherings around the table, and LOTS of reasons to open something good. 

We’d love to see you this holiday season. If a trip up the valley isn’t on the calendar*, we’re sending some of Napa Valley your way. Winemaker Laura Barrett recently tasted us through this season’s Cab Drop selections, from current releases to library vintages from our Howell Mountain estate that have had time to show what they can do. We’re eager to share them with you. These are the bottles worth saving for the big holiday dinner, and we hope they end up at your table too. 

*Members, your complimentary tastings make a great gift. You can pay them forward to friends, family and colleagues visiting Napa Valley over the holidays.

• Every 2 months we highlight wines we're most excited about.

• You'll receive a reminder 7 days before your shipment.

• You can customize or swap your wines anytime.

• Manage everything easily through your member portal.

• Use this as your guide to explore and plan your selections. 

Mountain-grown, refined, lush — only 410 cases produced

Cima is Italian for "the summit," and this is ours: our two Howell Mountain estate vineyards, Croquet and Cold Springs, selected barrel by barrel for a single bottling. Black cherry and ripe plum shine at the forefront, complemented by a subtle yet powerful oak presence and firm, long tannins with incredible length that finish with a beautiful touch of minerality and spice. Aged in 100% new French oak and the bottle we open when the night genuinely calls for the best thing in the house.

Pairs with mushroom ragù and filet mignon.

Chef Magnus recommends trying out this recipe for Oxtail Ragu with Red Wine Somm Seasoning.

Cocoa, blueberry and plump — only 340 cases produced

Our organically farmed Cold Springs Vineyard sits at 1,660 feet on Howell Mountain, high above the Napa Valley floor, and this Cabernet shows exactly what that elevation does.

Fruit-forward aromatics carry floral and earthy tones of blackberry, violets and cedar. The palate is big and structured, with a fruit-filled finish and long-lasting tannins.

When someone asks for a special wine, this is the one to pop the cork on. It’s a rich, inviting wine that fulfills all your Cabernet dreams.

Pair with your favorite cut of steak, scalloped potatoes and something green, and finish with a dark chocolate dessert.

Chef Magnus has create the perfect canape recipe to pair with this beautiful wine. Try his Creamy Rosemary and Onion Bites.

Cocoa, blueberry and plump — only 340 cases produced

A library wine from our organically farmed Howell Mountain estate, this Cab is a clear look at what the Croquet Vineyard does with time. The vineyard, named for the croquet court on the property, sits on a steep slope at 1,785 feet on the north side of Howell Mountain, along Ink Grade Road. Its Aiken loam is a rich red clay that drains slowly and makes the vines work.

In the glass, it’s classic Howell Mountain Cabernet: full-bodied, with soft yet chewy tannins. Dark blueberry, cocoa and violets envelop your senses.

Howell Mountain fans can’t get enough of the Croquet Cab. Pull the cork on this one and create a celebration. As the fun gets going, make sure you have an extra bottle on hand to keep everyone’s glasses full.

This wine loves rich, fatty foods. Make it a spread with lamb as the feature for a Mediterranean kebab gathering, or skirt steak for a fajita feast.

Chef Magnus' Pan Roasted Pork Chop with Red Wine Seasoning and Blistered Grapes pairs beautifully with this Howell Mountain Cabernet.

PEJU Winery offers one of the most genuinely welcoming wine tasting experiences in the region — with options for every occasion, group size, and level of wine enthusiasm. A family-owned, female-led estate surrounded by their iconic vineyards and gardens. Clif Family Members receive 4 Complimentary Classic Tastings when you book here: PEJU Winery - Rutherford, CA. Use code CLIF to book your 4 Complimentary Tastings. Or shop their online store: Premium Napa Red, White & Rosé Wines | PEJU Winery | PEJU Winery and use code CLIF for 10% savings on your first purchase. Good through March 31, 2027

Tank Garage Winery is a unique tasting room located inside a restored 1930s gas station in Calistoga, California. The winery specializes in limited-production, one-off wine blends paired with vintage Americana decor. Clif Family Members receive a complimentary tasting for 4 when visiting. Book your experience here: https://www.exploretock.com/tankgaragewinery/ and when you arrive for your tasting identify yourself as a Clif Family Member to receive your complimentary tasting for 4. Or shop their online store https://www.tankgaragewinery.com/ for a 10% savings using code CLIFMEMBER10. Good through March 31, 2027.

The Inn at Southbridge is a darling little gem of a hotel nestled among ivy-draped walls, gravel pathways and a bubbly fountain in the heart of downtown St. Helena. Clif Family Winery has a preferred rate of 20% off published rates. To reserve your guest room, simply mention the Clif Family Winery preferred rate to their Front Desk or Reservation agents. Reservations may be reached at (855) 631-8473 or (707) 967-9400.

Other Member Partner Perks:
Lodging – Calistoga Motor Lodge, Harvest Inn, Inn at Southbridge and Senza Hotel
Wineries – Artesa, Markham, Crocker and Starr, and Sterling
Local Napa Businesses - Napa Gondola
Contact the Membership team at membership@cliffamily.com for further details.

• Access to the SECRET MENU on the Food Truck.

• 4 complimentary tastings at the Tasting Room (by reservation) anytime you visit.

• Pay your benefits forward — send friends and family for a complimentary tasting on your behalf, and you don't have to be present for their gift to apply.

• Membership pricing on all gift sets.

Need a refresher on all your member benefits? Check them out HERE.

• November 4th: Sip & Support: Friends & Foundation, St. Helena Public Library + Korean Street Food Menu & Live Music
• November 5th: Trivia Night with Scott
• November 11th: Street Food Napa Valley - Korean
• November 13th: The Collector's Pour - Mesa, Arizona
• November 18th: Sip & Support: Circular Vineyard Film + Korean Street Food Menu & Live Music
• November 27th - Annual Post-Turkey Day Brunch
• December 3rd: Bingo Night with Keegan
• December 6th: Clif Family Holly Jolly Holiday Party: Toothpicks & Tinsel
• December 9th: Nimbus Arts + Street Food Menu & Live Music
• December 19th: Super Saturday Sip & Shop

Questions? We've got you. Feel free to ping the Membership Team at membership@cliffamily.com. We're happy to help with whatever you need!