AMICI CELLARS
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Why Buy: This superlative collection of single-vineyard wines, including a 98-pointer, and three 97-pointers, is the result of what happens when Napa’s most acclaimed terroirs are combined with the winemaking expertise of Tony Biagi, Vinous' 2020 Winemaker of the Year. Amici’s Cabernets, which are crafted hands-on with ultra small-batch fermentations, showcase Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’s power, Morisoli Vineyard's Rutherford magic, and Hirondelle Vineyard's Stags Leap elegance, just to name a few examples – and for a limited time only, we’re offering them for up to 20% off.
What They're Saying: James Suckling found particular magic in the Morisoli Cabernet, awarding it 98 points and praising its "lovely ripeness and opulence," while noting how it maintains perfect balance despite its power. When it came to the Hirondelle Vineyard bottling, he highlighted those "signature Stags Leap soothing tannins," noting how perfectly it demonstrates the district's ability to produce wines of both power and accessibility.
Our Tasting Notes: Wines, we often say around here, aren't made from the top down, they're built from the ground up, and that's what makes these so good and lasting and irresistible. The Morisoli offers that classic Rutherford profile - dusty tannins, perfect weight, remarkable length - while the Hirondelle Vineyard captures everything we love about Stags Leap: power wrapped in silk.
The Story: Why do we love Amici Cellars? It's not one thing that endears us to this Napa winery, it's many. Year after year, in vintage after stunning vintage, they deliver wines that transcend mere power and popularity to achieve extraordinary varietal character and sense of place. Much of their success over the past three decades traces to methods that have changed little since their founding in 1991 — as, in the words of owner and co-founder Bob Shepard, "a small project between friends." Though the winery has since "grown beyond [their] wildest imagination," super small-batch fermentations remain the beating heart of the operation. Under the guidance of Tony Biagi (Vinous's 2020 Winemaker of the Year), Amici maintains this artisanal, hands-on approach. Biagi — whose glittering resume includes brilliant work at CADE, Duckhorn Vineyards, and Sinegal Estate — listens to what each vintage and vineyard tells him, making decisions based on what nature provides rather than manipulating toward some perceived ideal.
What to Pair Them With: While each of these wines brings its own personality to the table, they all share an inherent versatility that makes food pairing a joy rather than a puzzle. These Cabernets naturally shine alongside prime rib or a well-marbled ribeye, but also make magic alongside wild mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.
Fun Fact: Amici means "friends" in Italian, and the name couldn't be more appropriate — the winery began as a project, a collaborative effort between friends who shared a passion for great wine. Today, despite their tremendous growth and success, they still maintain this spirit of friendship and collaboration in everything they do.
Our Guarantee: As with all our premium offerings, these wines come directly from the estate, ensuring perfect provenance and optimal storage conditions. Given the limited production of these single-vineyard expressions and their exceptional critical acclaim, we encourage you to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CO, CT, KS, LA, MI, NE, NY, OK, or TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.