Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters has announced a collaboration with Kentucky-based Larceny Bourbon to produce a limited release Napa Valley Red Blend finished in Larceny’s wheated bourbon barrels. The Cooper & Thief x Larceny Napa Valley Red Blend is rolling out at select retailers nationwide this March with a suggested retail price of $34.99.
The wine is primarily Malbec-led with Zinfandel and a touch of Petite Sirah, sourced from Napa Valley vineyards. The finishing process in Larceny’s signature barrels imparts notes of warm caramel, butterscotch, and toasty oak.
Cooper & Thief, according to a brand press release, is the number one luxury bourbon barrel-aged wine brand in the US. Larceny Bourbon uses a wheated mashbill that substitutes wheat for rye as the secondary grain, resulting in a softer, rounder whiskey profile.
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“Cooper & Thief believes in challenging tradition, especially in the luxury wine category that is steeped in convention,” said Michelle Diemer, senior director of marketing for Cooper & Thief. “This collaboration between our cellarmasters and the Larceny Bourbon’s Master Distillers is created for the traditional bourbon drinker who loves exploring unique and thoughtful expressions.”
Diemer added: “This release is special because it pairs Larceny’s excellence in Kentucky Bourbon with Cooper & Thief’s expertise in creating bold, smooth bourbon-barrel finished wines. It truly is a Wine for the Whiskey Lover.”
The cooler 2023 vintage helped balance richness with freshness. Napa Valley produces riper, more concentrated fruit, yielding a rich, dark, plush wine that the brand describes as both indulgent and refined.
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READ THE STORY“Larceny Bourbon is crafted with a wheated mashbill that creates a softer, rounder whiskey with notes of caramel, honey, and toasted oak,” said Conor O’Driscoll, master distiller for Larceny Bourbon. “When those barrels are used to finish a wine like this Napa Valley Red Blend, they bring more than just character — they layer in a rich sweetness, enhance the wine’s texture, and add depth through warm baking spice and subtle vanilla notes.”
O’Driscoll continued: “The interaction between the wine and our barrels creates a long, smooth finish that bridges the worlds of bourbon and wine in a compelling way. It’s a bold, flavorful expression that stays true to Larceny’s spirit of doing things a little differently.”
The wine has already received a 93-point score from The Tasting Panel Magazine.
Barrel-aged and barrel-finished wines have gained traction in the US market in recent years, appealing to spirits enthusiasts seeking crossover experiences. The category sits at the intersection of two of America’s fastest-growing beverage segments — premium red wine and bourbon whiskey — and has attracted increasing attention from both producers and retailers.
In addition to this exclusive launch, the Cooper & Thief portfolio of bourbon barrel-aged wines includes a California Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. The classic Cooper & Thief Red Blend is a California blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec and Merlot, distinct from this new Napa Valley exclusive release.
Larceny Bourbon is part of the Heaven Hill Distilleries portfolio, one of the largest independent, family-owned spirits producers in the US. The brand’s name pays homage to John E. Fitzgerald, a Treasury agent in the 19th century who allegedly used his keys to access bourbon warehouses and sample the finest barrels — a practice known as “larceny” among distillery workers.
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