One place you can always count on is Swanson Vineyards. The little boutique winery known for their small-lot Cabernet has been an excellent source for classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at very reasonable prices.
Perfectly situated between two famous Napa neighbors in Opus One and Silver Oak, their Cabernet has been a staple in American steakhouses for the past 25 years. It can always be counted upon to pair with a choice cut of beef.
As rich as their history is, few would argue that the last five years have been the best for this Napa institution. There’s a good reason for that. Currently, they’re led by superstar winemaker Robin Akhurst. Akhurst is a fast riser in the ranks, having worked previously at Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy and Two Hands Australia before being hand-picked as the assistant winemaker and protege of Thomas Rivers Brown.