Napa Valley "Super Seconds": Insider Wines from Iconic Estates
- Posted on
- By Tim Graham
- Posted in Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, napa valley, Super Seconds
Explore Napa Valley’s “Super Seconds”—wines crafted by iconic producers that offer the pedigree of top estates with greater approachability and value. Join us June 18 at The Wine Wave for a guided tasting featuring Colgin, Scarecrow, Dalla Valle, and more in an intimate loft setting.
There’s something undeniably captivating about Napa Valley’s most iconic producers. Names like Colgin, Dalla Valle, and Scarecrow carry a kind of gravitational pull with wines that collectors chase, sommeliers revere, and most of us only encounter on very special occasions.
But here’s the insider secret: some of the most compelling wines in Napa don’t come from the flagship bottlings. They come from what we might call “Super Seconds.”
If Bordeaux gave us the blueprint with second wines from its great châteaux, Napa has taken that idea and made it its own. These aren’t simply “junior” wines. They are thoughtfully crafted expressions—often from younger vines, select vineyard blocks, or lots that don’t quite fit the house’s top cuvée—but still shaped by the same hands, the same philosophy, and the same uncompromising standards.
The result? Wines that offer a rare intersection of pedigree, accessibility, and immediate drinkability—without sacrificing the depth and identity that made these estates famous in the first place.
On June 18th at 7 PM, we’re diving into this fascinating category in the loft at The Wine Wave with a lineup that beautifully captures the range and nuance of Napa’s Super Seconds:
Grace Family Vineyards 2016 Blank Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
A deeply personal and site-driven wine, offering a glimpse into one of Napa’s most revered cult producers through a single-vineyard lens.
Colgin Cellars 2019 Jubilation Red Blend
Colgin’s more approachable expression, but still unmistakably polished with silky texture, precision, and that signature hillside intensity.
Dalla Valle Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
While not labeled as a second wine, this bottling often plays a similar role stylistically; structured, powerful, and unmistakably Oakville.
Scarecrow 2022 M. Étain Cabernet Sauvignon
Perhaps the ultimate Napa “second wine,” sourced from younger vines of the legendary J.J. Cohn Estate; vibrant, expressive, and already captivating.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer 2022 Red Blend
A wine that bridges opulence and approachability, delivering Pahlmeyer’s signature richness in a more relaxed, early-drinking style.
Shafer 2023 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon
Named for the father-son partnership, this wine captures Shafer’s house style with remarkable clarity, generous, polished, and effortlessly drinkable.
Together, these wines tell a story, not just of prestige, but of intention. They show how great producers think about balance, selection, and expression beyond their flagship labels. And for us as drinkers, they offer something even more exciting: access.
Access to legendary terroirs.
Access to world-class winemaking.
Access to wines that are ready to be enjoyed, not just admired from afar.
This tasting is designed to be both educational and relaxed, whether you’re deep into your wine journey or simply curious about what makes Napa tick at the highest level.
Join us in the loft for an evening that promises great wines, great conversation, and a fresh perspective on some of Napa’s most sought-after names.
June 18th
7:00 PM
The Loft at The Wine Wave
Seats are limited, and this is one lineup you won’t want to miss.