95 Points - Hot 100 Wines - Bonfort's Wine & Spirits Journal
Aged 22 months in French Oak barrels. Approachable now, and has plenty of depth, structure, and complexity to lay down for another 5-8 years.
Less than a hundred cases made and we have just enough to share today.
Pairings include Bone-in pork chop, duck confit, earthy cheese, slow-roasted prime rib, chocolate truffle, even a fine cigar by the fireplace.
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT, NAPA VALLEY
Tucked along the eastern edge of Napa Valley, this vineyard lies just off Silverado Trail within the Oak Knoll District AVA, a region celebrated for its balance of structure and elegance. The site benefits from a gentle valley floor slope with subtle undulations, allowing for excellent air drainage and consistent sun exposure throughout the growing season. Soils are predominantly gravelly loam layered over clay, offering both drainage and water retention—ideal for controlled vine stress and steady ripening. Afternoon breezes funneling up valley from the San Pablo Bay naturally moderate temperatures, extending hang time and preserving acidity. Morning fog lingers just long enough to shield the fruit from early heat, while warm midday sun ensures full phenolic development. The resulting wines are defined by precision and approachability, showcasing vibrant red and black fruit, lifted aromatics, and supple tannin structure.
HARVEST NOTES
Hand Harvested | Hand Sorted
Following a wet winter, the season was mild and long, with steady, moderate temperatures that allowed for extended “hang time,” leading to optimal phenolic ripeness. Harvest started in mid-October and lasted through the first week of November.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were hand sorted, crushed and cold soaked for 2 days before fermentation for optimal flavors and texure. This is a Malbec-dominant powerhouse (77%) that defies the "oak bomb" stereotype. It's refined, terroir-driven, and incredibly balanced. Teaming up with veteran Napa Winemaker Eric Lyman (Judd’s Hill) for the past 15 years. Recent vintages have received 95 points and more.
APPELLATION: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
VARIETALS: 77% Malbec, 14% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot
AGING: 22 months in French Oak barrels
pH: 3.72
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
