Thurlow Cellars Boomslang Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Boomslang is not a subtle Napa Cabernet. It comes on dark and concentrated, made in the plush, hedonistic Napa style, but also kept in line by real structure. This is not excess for its own sake, but full-throttle Napa Cab with a slice of scintillating restraint.

On the nose, it is black-fruited and savory: blackberry compote, cassis and black plum, layered with graphite and espresso grounds, plus dried sage and bay leaf. There’s a subtle smoky edge—charred oak and a hint of asphalt—that gives it a brooding, almost predatory feel. With air, it softens just enough to reveal a thread of violet and dark chocolate, adding polish without changing the wine’s intensity.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and firmly structured. Dense fruit saturates the center, but tannins and acidity keep it from feeling heavy. The profile is ripe black fruit alongside bitter cocoa and iron, with a savory, almost meaty undertone that adds depth. The finish is long, with dark fruit, toasted oak and a light herbal note.

Thurlow Cellars may fly under the radar, but this bottle makes a clear case for the appeal of Napa Cabernet at its boldest: layered and indulgent, while still being balanced.

From a technical standpoint, Boomslang is crafted with a precision that underpins its opulence. Sourced from select Napa Valley sites, the fruit is harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness, then fermented in small lots to preserve vineyard expression. Extended maceration builds depth and tannin structure, while élevage in a high percentage of new French oak (typically 18–22 months) integrates texture and spice. The balance you feel—the tension between density and lift—is no accident; it’s the result of careful extraction, measured oak influence, and a commitment to preserving acidity in a warm-climate Cabernet.

Thurlow Cellars itself is a study in intention over scale. Founded with a focus on small-lot, site-driven wines, the winery emphasizes meticulous vineyard partnerships across Napa Valley, working closely with growers who farm for concentration and balance rather than yield. Their philosophy leans toward minimal intervention in the cellar—allowing fruit, site, and vintage to speak—while applying just enough technical precision to shape wines of polish and longevity.

The fruit for Boomslang comes from mature plantings, many several decades old, which naturally produce lower yields and more concentrated berries. Older vines tend to give smaller berries and thicker skins, increasing phenolic concentration and tightening structure.

Decant it if you want. Cellar it if you can! Boomslang is big Napa Cabernet, delivered with control.

Critical acclaim:

"96 points. On the nose, it opens dark and slightly feral: blackberry compote, cassis, and black plum wrapped in graphite, espresso grounds, and a flicker of dried sage and bay leaf. There’s a subtle smoky edge—charred oak and a hint of asphalt—that gives it a brooding, almost predatory feel. With air, it softens just enough to reveal a thread of violet and dark chocolate.

"The palate is built around structure. Dense, tightly packed fruit sits at the core, but it’s the architecture that defines the experience—firm, slightly grippy tannins and a spine of acidity that keeps the wine from collapsing under its own weight. There’s a push-pull between ripeness and restraint: ripe black fruit layered with bitter cocoa, iron, and a savory, almost meaty undertone. The finish lingers with a mix of dark fruit, toasted oak, and a faint herbal lift." - In Vino Veritas

"94 points. Boomslang is a multi-vintage blend of 2019, 2021, and 2022 fruit, and is crafted by Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate). It's an incredibly easy-drinking, smooth Cabernet with just enough fine-grained tannins to layer in a bit of grippy texture, but for the most part, it's a pretty, red-fruited elegant Cabernet with good tension and energy. This makes me wish California wineries would do more non-vintage blends." - Decanter