Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Proprietary Red blend, is a testament to Napa Valley's rich terroir. aromatic layers of exotic Asian spices, ripe plum, and juicy blackberry. The Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold structure and rich dark fruit, Cabernet Franc adds floral elegance and a touch of spice, and Merlot brings a velvety softness with lush plum notes. These elements come together harmoniously, leading to a smooth, lingering finish that leaves hints of cocoa and spice on the palate.
Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Fragrant and plush, showing aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, mocha, vanilla and sweet spices. Full-bodied and rounded with juicy dark fruit and firmly framed tannins, finishing with a creamy texture. Drink now or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2022 Heir Apparent Proprietary Red is delicious from start to finish. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of savory spices, dried earth, tart berries, and smoky oak. Pair it with rosemary and garlic-infused oven-baked leg of lamb. (Tasted: March 6, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.