Winemaker Notes
Ripe, macerated blueberries, blackberries, and currants, with deep dark chocolate, fresh herbs, and spice. Complex, with a depth of minerality, leaving a sense of crushed gravel and earth. Tension filled and full, the fruit unfolds seamlessly, with silky tannins on the back. Structured, with a vibrant core of acidity, and a persistent intensity. This dense, yet elegant terroir-driven Cabernet will evolve gracefully.
Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of bright black and red fruit with undertones of black olives, violets, red currants and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a plush mouthfeel, firmly framed tannins and a fruit-driven, mineral-edged finish. Nicely constructed. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc and aged 24 months in 80% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley offers classic cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and leather, with background violet notes. It's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This is another serious, satisfying, concentrated 2023 that will evolve gracefully for 15-20 years if well stored. Drink 2025-2045.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.