2022 Teeter-Totter Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (750ml)

RED CELLAR TRIO WINE CLUB SELECTION

Teeter-Totter is a St. Helena–based Napa Valley wine label owned by Benoit and Nikita Touquette, with its first vintage released in 2010. Born in Lyon, Benoit earned master’s degrees in chemistry and enology at the University of Bordeaux before moving to Napa Valley in the mid-2000s with encouragement from his mentor, renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland. An internship with Andy Erickson developed into a full-time role, giving him experience crafting wines for Dalla Valle, Ovid, and Screaming Eagle before he established his own consulting business in 2007. Teeter-Totter draws on that background while giving Touquette the freedom to select fruit from favored vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, Yountville, and Rutherford is complemented by Petite Sirah, Charbono, and Zinfandel from Calistoga, creating a rich, structured style that combines complexity with immediate appeal.

The 2022 Teeter-Totter Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, 2% Charbono from Calistoga, and 2% Petite Sirah from Calistoga, aged in 70% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple in appearance, with aromas of black and blue fruits, accented by lavender, graphite, and smoky herbs. The palate is juicy and polished, layering bright raspberry, blackberry and cassis flavors with chocolate and warm baking spice. Voluptuous richness, velvety tannins, and fresh fruit character carry through a lingering, spice-accented, oak-kissed finish.