Established in 2014, The Setting is a collection of luxury wines created by three friends: Jeff Cova, Noah McMahon and winemaker Jesse Katz. Jesse’s experience spans 19 harvests at internationally acclaimed wineries such as Chateau Petrus, Robert Foley, and was a part of the winemaking team at Screaming Eagle. The Setting Wines is a culmination of relationships spanning decades from Napa to Sonoma County to Willamette Valley, sourcing from some of the most prestigious vineyards the regions have to offer. Recently, Jesse was named Wine Enthusiast’s Global Winemaker of the Year for 2025.
The 2022 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon consists of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from two unique vineyard sites within Alexander Valley. The different elevations, soil types and microclimates within each property make for one stunning and multifaceted Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of this fruit comes from a special property called "Battle Family Vineyard" which sits at the very top of Chalk Hill Road overlooking the entire Alexander Valley. We source from four different blocks that each add their own personality and complexity to the wine. This wine is sourced from cooler vineyard sites which gives it a bright acidity accentuating the tannins and formulates a beautiful texture throughout the palate.
The 2022 showcases a beautiful balance of boldness and finesse exuding a true sense of place of the two vineyard sites it is sourced from. With red volcanic soils in the heart of the appellation, this fruit is terroir-driven with powerful elegance and complexity. Our Winemaker Jesse Katz crafts this wine to be vibrant and fresh in style with aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark plum, intertwined with notes of cedar, dried herbs and hint of mocha. With well-structured tannins, it has a supple and velvety mouthfeel with a lingering finish making for a perfectly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon.
98 Jeb Dunnuck The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley comes from one of the coldest sites from which they farm Cabernet Sauvignon. A dark red color, the wine is forward with blue-fruited highlights and shining with notes of juniper, pine, violets, forest floor, and fresh herbs. It’s long, elegant, and focused on the palate, with a more linear feel, an even plushness of tannins, and redcurrants, cassis, and vanilla shining through to the long finish. Drink 2025-2050.
97 Wine Enthusiast Generous aromas of crushed raspberry, plum compote, cocoa and crushed herbs explode on the nose of this Cabernet. The palate displays rich, supple tannin balanced by juicy acidity and flavors of cherry gastrique, raspberry liqueur, graphite and herb mélange that dance and dart across the long finish. Delicious now, this will benefit from some time in the cellar.
97 International Wine Report
95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The Setting 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, matured in 85% new French oak for 22 months, opens with red and black plum aromas that give way to nuances of lilac, garrigue, iodine and iron-like mineral tones. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated yet elegant, combining floral fruit with ultra-powdery tannins and juicy acidity, and it has a very long, nuanced finish.
93 James Suckling A beautiful, supple and rich-tasting red that’s generous in black fruit, blueberries, cocoa and vanilla bean flavors. Full-bodied, appropriately tannic and smooth. The blackberries and black cherries linger nicely in the finish. Drink now or hold.
