Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Partners With Larceny Bourbon for Exclusive Wheated Barrel-Aged Napa Valley Red Blend

Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters teams up with Larceny Bourbon for a limited Napa Valley Red Blend finished in wheated bourbon barrels.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Business Wire

A Strategic Convergence of Wine and Bourbon Craftsmanship

A new partnership between Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters and Larceny Bourbon marks a significant expansion for the luxury spirits barrel-aged wine category. The collaboration introduces a limited-release Napa Valley Red Blend that undergoes a unique finishing process inside Larceny’s signature wheated bourbon barrels. By utilizing barrels that previously held whiskey with a wheat-heavy mashbill, the winemakers have imparted a softer, rounder profile to the wine, distinct from traditional rye-influenced aging. This technical exchange between California cellarmasters and Kentucky distillers represents a calculated effort to appeal to a demographic that values the aromatic complexity of premium spirits within a wine framework.

Flavor Profiles and the Influence of Wheated Bourbon Barrels

The finishing process is designed to layer the wine with whiskey-driven characteristics, specifically notes of butterscotch, warm caramel, and charred oak. According to Larceny Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, the interaction between the Napa Valley fruit and the bourbon-soaked wood enhances the wine’s texture and adds depth through baking spices and vanilla undertones. Unlike typical bourbon barrel-aged products that can lean toward harshness, the use of wheated barrels provides a smoother, more indulgent finish. This specific barrel selection ensures that the final product maintains a balance between the structural integrity of the wine and the bold sweetness characteristic of Larceny’s award-winning bourbon.

Sourcing and Composition of the Napa Valley Blend

The base of this limited release consists of high-quality varietals sourced from the 2023 Napa Valley vintage, known for concentrated fruit and refined freshness. The blend is primarily led by Malbec, supported by Zinfandel and a touch of Petite Sirah, creating a dark and plush foundation that can withstand the intense influence of spirits barrels. Michelle Diemer, Senior Director of Marketing for Cooper & Thief, noted that the choice of Napa Valley fruit was essential to provide the necessary richness to complement the Larceny barrels. The result is a powerful, small-batch wine that has already garnered a 93-point rating from industry tasters, signaling its status as a premium entry in the category.