Celebrating a Decade with Record-Breaking Wine: The Release of 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet ‘The Setting’

In 2017, a remarkable event shook the wine industry when a 750ml bottle of The Setting, an unheralded wine from California’s Alexander Valley, fetched an astonishing $350,000 at a charity auction. This was the highest price ever paid for a bottle of wine, capturing the attention of collectors worldwide.

Fast forward to 2025, and The Setting is now a well-respected name among wine enthusiasts. This month, winemaker Jesse Katz, alongside co-owners Jeff Cova and Noah McMahon, re-released limited quantities of the celebrated 2015 The Setting Alexander Valley Cabernet to commemorate their 10th anniversary. Originally produced during a drought year, this cabernet is noted for its concentration and quality, earning remarkable acclaim from critics.

“The 2015 vintage was special,” Katz shared in a recent interview. “It came from a unique vineyard situated near Verite Winery, and every aspect of the year added to its character.”

The opportunity to own a bottle of this exclusive cabernet is now available to the public, priced at $165. This release is particularly special as it marks the wine’s return after nearly a decade since its record-breaking auction performance.

The original auction took place at Emeril Lagasse’s annual charity event, Carnivale du Vin, where Katz had personally gifted a bottle to agent Shep Gordon, who then donated it. The money raised was directed toward educational opportunities in culinary arts and nutrition.

As The Setting looks back on its success, Katz fondly recalls the occasion: “We set aside some cases for our anniversary, and now they’re ready to be enjoyed once more.”

In the years that followed the landmark auction, the record for the most expensive wine was broken again, this time by a 1945 Romanée-Conti, which sold for $545,000. Furthermore, in 2021, a 6-liter bottle of The Setting Glass Slipper Cabernet Sauvignon sold for a jaw-dropping $1 million at a similar charity event.

The founders of The Setting—Katz, Cova, and McMahon—came together with a shared vision of creating wines that celebrate memorable experiences. Each year, a portion of the wines produced is donated to charitable causes. They also collaborate with various organizations to create custom wine labels that can be auctioned to benefit specific fundraising efforts.

This innovative approach not only amplifies the brand’s presence but also supports various philanthropic efforts, reminding wine lovers that fine wine can accompany good deeds.

For more details on the wines or to participate in the anniversary release, visit The Setting Wines.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!