Winemaker Notes
In the glass, the wine opens with a lifted aromatic profile of cherry blossom and violets, layered with bramble berry, cherry conserves, cassis, and dark plum, framed by delicate dried thyme and winter spices from aging in new French oak. A subtle mineral note of crushed slate emerges with time in the glass, lending precision and tension.
On the palate, the wine is precise, carried by bright, fruit driven acidity balanced by firm and velvety tannins. The broad, supple mid-palate expands with red plum, black cherry, and espresso. Mouthwatering yet composed, the finish is long, leaving a savory resonance and an impression of quiet sophistication.
Blend: 63% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The Bordeaux blend idea of the estate that's always based largely on Merlot, the 2023 Firebelle Estate Red Blend checks in as 63% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 64% new French oak. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a beautiful nose of ripe black cherry and blackberry fruits, intermixed with scorched earth, graphite, and crushed stone. It's medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, plenty of mid-palate depth, integrated oak, and a great finish. It's clearly the finest vintage of this I've tasted. Drink 2026-2036.
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James Suckling
A bright, fresh and focused Bordeaux blend with plenty of flesh. depth, fine-boned tannins and bright acidity. This is a delightful blend of 63% merlot, 21% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot, with plenty of red fruit, spices and a juicy finish. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Full-bodied and deeply structured, with brooding flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by mocha and savory herbs. Ends with medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Usually a Merlot-dominated blend, the 2023 Firebelle is the first vintage in a while to include Cabernet Franc and the first ever to include Petit Verdot. Black cherries, dried spices and cigar-wrapper notes develop on the nose of this medium- to full-bodied wine. Framed by silky, fine-grained tannins and featuring a softly dusty finish, it may be enjoyed over the next decade or so.
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.