The Critic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

The Critic is named for the person drinking it: the idea is that you judge the wine yourself. It comes from Opici Wines & Spirits, a fourth-generation family importer and distributor in Glen Rock, New Jersey, which launched the brand in 2020.

It's a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. When it launched, the blend was 90% Cabernet and 10% Merlot from several parts of the valley, including Mount Veeder, Rutherford and Atlas Peak. Oak aging is fairly short, at least six months according to the brand, so the fruit stays at the front.

With a short time in oak and a share of Merlot, it's made for drinking young rather than for the cellar: dark fruit first, soft edges, not much wood.

Napa Valley Cabernet at around $20 is rare, and that's the reason to buy this one. For a richer Napa bottle with a bigger name, see our Napa Valley wine page.

Serve it just below room temperature. It's good with steak frites or a burger.

Browse all our Cabernet Sauvignon, or see the rest of our red wine. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery across NYC.