Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The last two 2013s I tasted included the 2013 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain. This fabulous and exciting elixir is a equal-part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot aged in equal parts Gamba and Darnajou, all new French oak. A stunning nose of forest floor, blueberry, blackberry, mulberry and spring flowers soars from the glass of this inky purple wine. Another offering of great intensity, with voluptuous texture and lavish, almost extravagant fruit richness, this pure, rich and incredibly well-made wine is yet more proof that Bevan is a genius on so many levels, as he can produce compelling wines whether they are Bordeaux varietals, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc or even Chardonnay.
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Wine Spectator
Notably rich and juicy, with tiers of blackberry, dusty earth and black licorice, showing cedar-scented tannins that impart a measure of refinement. Ends slightly trim, offering savory herb and dusty earth notes. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026.
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.