The Setting Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)

Established in 2014, The Setting is a collection of luxury wines created by three friends: Jeff Cova, Noah McMahon and winemaker Jesse Katz. Jesse’s experience spans 19 harvests at internationally acclaimed wineries such as Chateau Petrus, Robert Foley, and was a part of the winemaking team at Screaming Eagle. The Setting Wines is a culmination of relationships spanning decades from Napa to Sonoma County to Willamette Valley, sourcing from some of the most prestigious vineyards the regions have to offer. Recently, Jesse was named Wine Enthusiast’s Global Winemaker of the Year for 2025.

This hidden gem of a vineyard is situated in the northernmost portion of the prestigious Oakville appellation, nestled beside neighboring Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Screaming Eagle. Offering the richness of the Oakville valley floor with the structure of hillside fruit, wines produced from Skellenger Vineyard provide a tremendous amount of concentration from tannins, while maintaining balanced richness and approachability.

The nose offers detailed aromas of black cherry and blueberry pie, licorice, musk and sandalwood with undertones of lilac and sagebrush. The full-bodied palate is bursting with ripe, concentrated fruit, although it doesn't feel overripe or weighty. Its vibrant acidity balances that opulence, and finely grained tannins add a plush feel.