The Allocation Archive

Every Shipment, Right Where You Left It

Traveling for three months? Lost track of an email? This is the running record of every monthly selection from THE LIST. — pick a month, choose your tier, and see exactly what arrived and why it was chosen.

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Curated by THE LIST. Tasting notes, pairings, and context from your sommelier team.

September 2026

Gems of Napa Valley

Select a tier above to view its wines

Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2023

StyleFresh• Creamy • Citrus-driven • Textural BodyMedium AcidityBright

Bright and expressive, opening with aromas of lemon zest, ripe peach, pineapple and citrus blossom. The palate brings tropical and stone-fruit character together with lemon curd, subtle brown spice and toasted almond. Aging on the lees gives the wine a noticeably creamy texture while fresh acidity keeps everything lively and balanced. The finish is juicy, clean and persistent.

Winemaking Note The 2023 was whole-cluster fermented in stainless steel, then aged for seven months in French oak with regular lees stirring, helping explain the combination of freshness and creamy texture.
Pair With
Goat cheese, oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, roasted chicken, fresh herbs and lighter charcuterie.
What to Notice

This isn’t simply a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The lees contact and oak treatment provide a richer texture that separates it from the more overtly grassy style often associated with the variety.

Ink Grade Andosol Red Wine Napa Valley 2018

StyleSavory• Mineral • Structured • Mountain-grown BodyMedium to Full AcidityFresh TanninFine and polished Blend89%Zinfandel • 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

An intriguing mountain-grown red with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry and cassis, layered with violets, dried flowers, crushed stone and pink peppercorn. With air, more savory notes emerge — iron, tar, dried herbs and spice. The palate is concentrated but energetic, combining ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and fine, polished tannins. Long and mineral-driven on the finish.

Winemaking Note The wine comes from Ink Grade’s dramatic mountain property at the northeastern edge of Howell Mountain, where steep terraces and volcanic soils contribute much of its distinctive mineral and savory character. The winery describes the profile as almost reminiscent of cru Barolo because of its combination of floral aromatics, iron, tar, tannin and acidity.
Pair With
Grilled lamb, short ribs, pork shoulder, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses or wood-fired meats.
What to Notice

This is a very different expression of Zinfandel. Rather than emphasizing sweetness and jammy fruit, Andosol shows the grape through a mountain-wine lens—freshness, minerality, structure and savory complexity.

Darioush Cabernet Franc Signature 2023

StyleElegant• Savory • Floral • Complex BodyFull TanninPolished FinishLong and Layered

A beautifully aromatic Cabernet Franc opening with dried rose petals, ripe red cherry and black currant, followed by graphite and pencil-shaving minerality. Layers of tomato leaf, toasted thyme, Asian spice, licorice and anise provide classic Cabernet Franc complexity. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with dark and red fruits wrapped in a round, polished texture. Smooth tannins and savory spice carry through an exceptionally long finish.

Winemaking Note Darioush’s Cabernet Franc is influenced by the rocky, higher-elevation conditions of its Mount Veeder estate and the cooler climate of southern Napa Valley. That combination allows Cabernet Franc to develop ripe black fruit while retaining the freshness, herbal character and spice that distinguish the variety.
Pair With
Duck breast, lamb, filet mignon, roasted mushrooms, rosemary-driven dishes or aged hard cheeses.
What to Notice

Look for the classic Cabernet Franc contrast between ripe dark fruit and savory herbal character. The graphite, herbs and floral notes are what make this more intellectually interesting than simply another powerful Napa red.

Ink Grade Andosol Red Wine Napa Valley 2018

StyleSavory• Mineral • Structured • Mountain-grown BodyMedium to Full AcidityFresh TanninFine and polished Blend89%Zinfandel • 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

An intriguing mountain-grown red with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry and cassis, layered with violets, dried flowers, crushed stone and pink peppercorn. With air, more savory notes emerge — iron, tar, dried herbs and spice. The palate is concentrated but energetic, combining ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and fine, polished tannins. Long and mineral-driven on the finish.

Winemaking Note The wine comes from Ink Grade’s dramatic mountain property at the northeastern edge of Howell Mountain, where steep terraces and volcanic soils contribute much of its distinctive mineral and savory character. The winery describes the profile as almost reminiscent of cru Barolo because of its combination of floral aromatics, iron, tar, tannin and acidity.
Pair With
Grilled lamb, short ribs, pork shoulder, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses or wood-fired meats.
What to Notice

This is a very different expression of Zinfandel. Rather than emphasizing sweetness and jammy fruit, Andosol shows the grape through a mountain-wine lens—freshness, minerality, structure and savory complexity.

Darioush Cabernet Franc Signature 2023

StyleElegant• Savory • Floral • Complex BodyFull TanninPolished FinishLong and Layered

A beautifully aromatic Cabernet Franc opening with dried rose petals, ripe red cherry and black currant, followed by graphite and pencil-shaving minerality. Layers of tomato leaf, toasted thyme, Asian spice, licorice and anise provide classic Cabernet Franc complexity. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with dark and red fruits wrapped in a round, polished texture. Smooth tannins and savory spice carry through an exceptionally long finish.

Winemaking Note Darioush’s Cabernet Franc is influenced by the rocky, higher-elevation conditions of its Mount Veeder estate and the cooler climate of southern Napa Valley. That combination allows Cabernet Franc to develop ripe black fruit while retaining the freshness, herbal character and spice that distinguish the variety.
Pair With
Duck breast, lamb, filet mignon, roasted mushrooms, rosemary-driven dishes or aged hard cheeses.
What to Notice

Look for the classic Cabernet Franc contrast between ripe dark fruit and savory herbal character. The graphite, herbs and floral notes are what make this more intellectually interesting than simply another powerful Napa red.

Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022

StyleRefined• Rich • Balanced • Classic Napa BodyMedium-Fullto Full TanninStructured and polished Blend89% Cabernet Sauvignon - 3% Cabernet Franc- 3% Petit Verdot- 3% Malbec- 2% Merlot

Deep ruby in color with inviting aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, red currant and dark cherry, followed by violets, fig and nutmeg. The palate is medium-full to full-bodied with concentrated blackberry and cherry complemented by dark earth, anise and mocha. The wine combines richness with freshness, finishing with polished structure and lingering dark fruit.

Winemaking Note Alpha Omega builds this Cabernet from vineyards throughout Napa Valley, including mountain fruit from Atlas Peak and Spring Mountain, hillside vineyards in Rutherford, and valley-floor vineyards in Oak Knoll District. The blend therefore gives members an excellent opportunity to taste a broader expression of Napa Valley rather than a single-vineyard site. It was aged 18 months in French oak, approximately 30% new.
Pair With
Prime rib, filet mignon, grilled steak, lamb, roasted mushrooms or aged cheeses.
What to Notice

This is an excellent contrast to Sage Ridge. Rather than emphasizing one mountain site, Alpha Omega blends fruit from multiple Napa terroirs to create balance—mountain structure, hillside intensity and valley-floor generosity.

Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2023

StyleFresh• Creamy • Citrus-driven • Textural BodyMedium AcidityBright

Bright and expressive, opening with aromas of lemon zest, ripe peach, pineapple and citrus blossom. The palate brings tropical and stone-fruit character together with lemon curd, subtle brown spice and toasted almond. Aging on the lees gives the wine a noticeably creamy texture while fresh acidity keeps everything lively and balanced. The finish is juicy, clean and persistent.

Winemaking Note The 2023 was whole-cluster fermented in stainless steel, then aged for seven months in French oak with regular lees stirring, helping explain the combination of freshness and creamy texture.
Pair With
Goat cheese, oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, roasted chicken, fresh herbs and lighter charcuterie.
What to Notice

This isn’t simply a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The lees contact and oak treatment provide a richer texture that separates it from the more overtly grassy style often associated with the variety.

Ink Grade Andosol Red Wine Napa Valley 2018

StyleSavory• Mineral • Structured • Mountain-grown BodyMedium to Full AcidityFresh TanninFine and polished Blend89%Zinfandel • 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

An intriguing mountain-grown red with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry and cassis, layered with violets, dried flowers, crushed stone and pink peppercorn. With air, more savory notes emerge — iron, tar, dried herbs and spice. The palate is concentrated but energetic, combining ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and fine, polished tannins. Long and mineral-driven on the finish.

Winemaking Note The wine comes from Ink Grade’s dramatic mountain property at the northeastern edge of Howell Mountain, where steep terraces and volcanic soils contribute much of its distinctive mineral and savory character. The winery describes the profile as almost reminiscent of cru Barolo because of its combination of floral aromatics, iron, tar, tannin and acidity.
Pair With
Grilled lamb, short ribs, pork shoulder, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses or wood-fired meats.
What to Notice

This is a very different expression of Zinfandel. Rather than emphasizing sweetness and jammy fruit, Andosol shows the grape through a mountain-wine lens—freshness, minerality, structure and savory complexity.

Darioush Cabernet Franc Signature 2023

StyleElegant• Savory • Floral • Complex BodyFull TanninPolished FinishLong and Layered

A beautifully aromatic Cabernet Franc opening with dried rose petals, ripe red cherry and black currant, followed by graphite and pencil-shaving minerality. Layers of tomato leaf, toasted thyme, Asian spice, licorice and anise provide classic Cabernet Franc complexity. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with dark and red fruits wrapped in a round, polished texture. Smooth tannins and savory spice carry through an exceptionally long finish.

Winemaking Note Darioush’s Cabernet Franc is influenced by the rocky, higher-elevation conditions of its Mount Veeder estate and the cooler climate of southern Napa Valley. That combination allows Cabernet Franc to develop ripe black fruit while retaining the freshness, herbal character and spice that distinguish the variety.
Pair With
Duck breast, lamb, filet mignon, roasted mushrooms, rosemary-driven dishes or aged hard cheeses.
What to Notice

Look for the classic Cabernet Franc contrast between ripe dark fruit and savory herbal character. The graphite, herbs and floral notes are what make this more intellectually interesting than simply another powerful Napa red.

Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022

2
StyleRefined• Rich • Balanced • Classic Napa BodyMedium-Fullto Full TanninStructured and polished Blend89% Cabernet Sauvignon - 3% Cabernet Franc- 3% Petit Verdot- 3% Malbec- 2% Merlot

Deep ruby in color with inviting aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, red currant and dark cherry, followed by violets, fig and nutmeg. The palate is medium-full to full-bodied with concentrated blackberry and cherry complemented by dark earth, anise and mocha. The wine combines richness with freshness, finishing with polished structure and lingering dark fruit.

Winemaking Note Alpha Omega builds this Cabernet from vineyards throughout Napa Valley, including mountain fruit from Atlas Peak and Spring Mountain, hillside vineyards in Rutherford, and valley-floor vineyards in Oak Knoll District. The blend therefore gives members an excellent opportunity to taste a broader expression of Napa Valley rather than a single-vineyard site. It was aged 18 months in French oak, approximately 30% new.
Pair With
Prime rib, filet mignon, grilled steak, lamb, roasted mushrooms or aged cheeses.
What to Notice

This is an excellent contrast to Sage Ridge. Rather than emphasizing one mountain site, Alpha Omega blends fruit from multiple Napa terroirs to create balance—mountain structure, hillside intensity and valley-floor generosity.

Scattered Peaks Sage Ridge Vineyard Napa Valley 2018

StylePowerful • Structured • Dark-fruited • Mineral BodyFull TanninFirm and integrated FinishLong

Deep and concentrated with aromas of violets, dark plum, black cherry and cassis, layered with lavender, tea and graphite. The palate is broad and muscular, with a dense core of dark fruit framed by firmly integrated tannins. Despite its power, there is considerable balance and elegance here, leading into a long, structured finish.

Winemaking Note Sage Ridge is a mountain expression of Napa Cabernet, and the elevation shows itself through the wine’s concentration, tannic structure and graphite-driven minerality. Only six barrels of this particular wine were produced, making it a particularly limited bottling.
Pair With
Ribeye, braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, beef tenderloin or mature cheddar.
What to Notice

Compare this wine with the Alpha Omega that follows. Both are Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, but Sage Ridge emphasizes the density, tannin and mineral character of mountain-grown Cabernet.

The Tasting Journey

These five wines also work extremely well as a progression. Start with the Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc, showing Napa’s ability to create white wine with both freshness and texture. Move into Ink Grade Andosol, introducing mountain terroir through Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon while retaining bright acidity and savory character. The Darioush Cabernet Franc then brings the tasting toward Bordeaux varieties, highlighting florals, herbs, graphite and spice. Finish with the two Cabernet Sauvignons: Scattered Peaks Sage Ridge demonstrates the concentration and structure of a specific mountain vineyard. Alpha Omega provides the counterpoint—a Cabernet assembled from multiple Napa Valley growing areas to create a more complete expression of the valley. Together, the wines tell a much bigger story than simply “five wines from Napa.” They demonstrate how variety, elevation, vineyard site and winemaking decisions can dramatically change the expression of Napa Valley.
Eric Hammer, Resident Sommelier and Wine Advisor

The Person Behind Every Allocation

Eric Hammer

A Certified Sommelier with more than twenty-five years in hospitality, Eric is the credentialed face behind THE LIST. and the trusted authority behind every wine on this page. Every allocation you see above — the tiers, the tasting notes, the pairings — starts with Eric.

His background spans restaurant leadership, luxury resort and hotel beverage programs, wine education, and curated tasting experiences. At Waldorf Astoria's Boca Resort and Club, where Eric earned his sommelier credential, the wine list held a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Learn more about Eric.

THE LIST. always answers three questions: Why this wine? Why now? What should the member notice, enjoy, or learn?

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