Bank Shot is a new Napa Cab from Josh Hart, Maayan Koschitzky and Wine Access
It’s no secret that some of the best current and former NBA players are discerning oenophiles. Some even have their own label, like CJ McCollum, Yao Ming, Dwyane Wade, Channing Frye and Steph Curry to name a few. New to the basketball star/vintner roster is Josh Hart of the New York Knicks, who has released Bank Shot, a serious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
Bank Shot is a collaboration between Hart, renowned Napa winemaker Maayan Koschitzky (who serves as director of winemaking at Philippe Melka’s Atelier Melka) and Wine Access, wine lovers’ premier destination for wines curated by experts. Bank Shot’s inaugural 2021 vintage is made from grapes grown in the lauded Howell Mountain and Oakville and St. Helena Full-bodied, beautifully balanced and a deep, luxurious purple, the wine features ripe tannins supported by juicy acidity and flavors of black cherry, exotic spices, tobacco, freshly ground espresso beans, cloves and graphite. While showing beautifully now, this wine will develop complexity over the years and is a great addition to anyone’s wine cellar.
Winemaker Maayan Koschitzky and New York Knick Josh Hart at a Bank Shot blending session.
“The unique blend comes from some of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley,” said Koschitzky. “Together, Josh and I created a unique, powerful and elegant wine that showcases the beauty of the 2021 vintage.”
Bank Shot is full-bodied and very balanced.
The Wine Access team first met and connected with Hart in July 2019 at a Napa Valley fundraiser. The team was impressed by Hart’s wine knowledge and curiosity and suggested a collaboration, the result being Bank Shot. In addition, Wine Access launched a Diversity in Wine Fellowship Program with Josh in 2020, providing opportunities for aspiring wine experts from underrepresented communities. The program sponsored 100 dedicated BIPOC wine professionals to complete the WSET Level 1 course, with top performers following the program. The top three students won an unforgettable trip to Napa Valley with Hart.
“Meeting Josh and his wife was great,” added Koschitzky. “They are nice, down-to-earth people who enjoy the world of wine and care deeply about community and giving back.”
Find Bank Shot here, exclusively. $175/bottle.
Photos courtesy of Wine Access