From: Napa Valley, CA
Varietals: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Petite Sirah
Tasting Notes & Critical Acclaim: From the Producers: The 2019 Adaptation Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a superb vintage. Revealing blackberries, black currants, crème de cassis, with hints of espresso, cocoa powder and fine gravely undertones, this seamless full-bodied wine carries remarkable freshness and purity, delivering up front appeal with long term potential.
“Coming mostly from the Oso Vineyard in Pope Valley, but with fruit from sites throughout the Valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petite Sirah that spent 18 months all in French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy herbs, chocolate, and hints of leather all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, some classic 2019 opulence, and velvety tannins. A terrific value, it will drink well for at least a decade” 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Pairing: Its full-bodied structure and freshness beautifully complement grilled ribeye steaks, lamb chops with rosemary, or a slow-braised short rib. For a more unconventional pairing, try Korean BBQ short ribs or mole poblano, as the wine's dark fruit and earthy undertones balance the spice and complex flavors of these dishes. The gravely undertones also pair well with roasted mushrooms or truffle-infused dishes, while its richness enhances the savory depth of a classic beef stew. For cheese, aged gouda or sharp cheddar are excellent options.
Mole de Olla (Beef Stew With Chiles)
Recipe from Pati Jinich, adapted by Julia Moskin
About. Adaptation Winery’s story is connected to the broader history of the PlumpJack Group, a name that has become synonymous with quality and innovation in California’s wine industry. The journey began in 1992 when Gavin Newsom opened PlumpJack Wines on Fillmore Street in San Francisco, with a vision of creating an inviting and accessible wine-buying experience. This vision laid the groundwork for what would become a celebrated portfolio of wineries. Adaptation, established in 2009, entered the scene during this dynamic period of growth. It was created to complement PlumpJack’s high-end offerings by producing wines that are approachable, versatile, and representative of Napa’s renowned terroir.
Adaptation’s philosophy is rooted in its name: adaptability. The winery emphasizes the ability to "adapt" to changes in climate, trends, and the unique challenges of winemaking. At its core, Adaptation is about crafting wines that are expressions of Napa Valley’s diverse landscapes without the exclusivity or high price tags often accompanying wines from this celebrated region.
Adaptation’s winemaking approach focuses on sourcing grapes from top vineyards throughout Napa, including those that supply the more premium labels under the PlumpJack umbrella. This ensures a consistency of quality and highlights the diversity of Napa’s microclimates. The goal is to offer a distinct expression of each varietal, particularly focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, while remaining true to the approachable, drinkable style that the winery embodies.
As part of the esteemed PlumpJack Group, Adaptation plays a vital role in the company’s broader portfolio, offering a bridge between PlumpJack’s high-end, cellar- worthy wines and its more accessible counterparts. The PlumpJack Group was founded with the intention of demystifying wine and making it more approachable to a broader audience, a mission that Adaptation continues to carry forward.
What distinguishes Adaptation from its sister wineries like Cade and PlumpJack Estate is its more relaxed, everyday drinking style while still maintaining the sophistication and quality that the PlumpJack name guarantees. The winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon has earned recognition for its bold yet balanced nature, offering a more affordable option for those seeking a taste of Napa without the high-end price tag.
Andrew Haugen’s (Winemaker at Odette and Adaptation wineries) career began at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, inspired by the film Sideways and his exploration of the Central Coast’s wine regions. While studying biology, he developed a passion for wine, which led him to gain global winemaking experience at renowned wineries like Stonestreet in Sonoma, Church Road in New Zealand, Howard Park in Australia, and Gran Moraine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 2015, Haugen joined Odette Estate Winery, where he advanced through various roles, from cellar master to head winemaker. Today, he oversees winemaking for Odette and Adaptation labels, working closely with Vineyard Manager Oscar Renteria at the 129-acre Oso Vineyard in Pope Valley.
Wine Notes. This 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend is comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petite Sirah. The backbone of the wine comes from the Oso Vineyard, which contributes richness, color, tannin, and structure. It is complemented by grapes from Ink Grade Vineyard in Stags Leap, Blue Tooth Vineyard in Oak Knoll, and Las Amigas Vineyard in Carneros. Together, these vineyard sites create a complex yet approachable wine that reflects Napa Valley’s diverse terroir.
The 2019 growing season was marked by steady, moderate temperatures, leading to balanced yields and extended hang time for optimal flavor and ripeness. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity, followed by maceration for 8-14 days. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels and was aged for 18 months in 50% new oak, developing elegant structure and complexity.
