R&B Cellars: Built on a true European Reserve program

By Kevin P.Brown

I established R&B Cellars to create some of California’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon’s. We produced 300 cases of our first vintage in 1997. All of the grapes were hand- selected from prime Napa Valley vineyards located in growing areas from
the Rutherford Bench to the top of Mt. Veeder.’

My former partner and I wanted to have a real Reserve program modeled on the European approach. This requires that the wine is kept in brand new French oak for a minimum of two years, and then in the bottle for a minimum of one year, before it is released. For the 1997 we used 100% French Oak from seven cooperages of which 80% was new.

The 1997 Cabernet garnered the honor of top wine at the Vinalies D’Argent in France. This honor validated our
commitment to a true European-style reserve program.

Our current Reserve Cabernet program uses 100% new oak in every vintage. The primary cooperage is Vicard, which gives the chocolate and cocoa powder tones to our Cabernets. Vicard makes an exquisite barrel that has set the tone for our “house style.” The newly-released 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon reflects this style, with a distinct “Baker’s chocolate” nose on the finish.

This attention to European wine making tradition is reflected in the accolades we have received over the last 2 years. Wine reviewers consistently praise the quality and complexity of our more “everyday” vintages, while noting the tremendous value they are to the consumer.

I hope you will join the Blue Note Wine Club. We offer a selection of discount programs for wine lovers from three bottles to discounted purchases by the case.

On the R&B Cellars website you can find great gift ideas such as our Italian marble coasters with the original label artwork of artist Mimi Stuart for only $9. Perfect with a bottle of one of our wines.

For now, enjoy life, family, holiday celebrations…and keep on swingin’!

--Kevin Brown