95 Points - Bonfort's Wine & Spirits Journal
Grapes for this gem were meticulously handpicked from Calistoga in the Napa Valley, aged in French oak barrels for 22 months. The result is a harmoniously intricate flavor profile that exudes sophistication.
Very approachable now, and has plenty of depth, structure, and complexity to lay down for another 5-8 years.
Less than a hundred cases EVER MADE and we have just enough to share with you today. While it lasts!
Pairings include Bone-in pork chop, duck confit, earthy cheese, slow-roasted prime rib, chocolate truffle, even a fine cigar by the fireplace.
VINEYARD NOTES
Sustainable Farming Practices | Napa Valley
Set on the sun-drenched valley floor of Calistoga, this vineyard is rooted in well-drained, volcanic soils shaped by the northern reaches of Napa Valley. Warm daytime temperatures drive full ripening, while cooler evenings rolling in from the surrounding hills help maintain balance and freshness in the fruit.
The site consistently produces bold, expressive wines with ripe blackberry and dark plum flavors layered with hints of spice, earth, and subtle minerality. Firm yet approachable tannins and a rich, structured profile make this vineyard ideal for crafting powerful, fruit-forward wines with depth and character.
HARVEST NOTES
Hand Harvested & Hand Sorted, the 2023 vintage in Calistoga and throughout Napa Valley unfolded as a long, late-season harvest marked by exceptional quality. Abundant winter rains replenished the soils, setting the stage for healthy, vigorous vine growth. A consistently cool growing season followed, allowing for extended hang time that enhanced phenolic development while maintaining balanced, moderate sugar levels.
With minimal heat spikes, fruit ripened gradually and evenly, enabling a deliberate, methodical harvest pace. Despite the wet start to the season, mildew pressure remained manageable, avoiding the early-season challenges often associated with higher rainfall years. Ultimately, harvest extended into the final week of October, yielding fruit of remarkable depth, structure, and balance.
VINTAGE: 2023
VARIETAL: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon / 5% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Napa Valley, Calistoga
AGING: Aged 22 months in French Oak barrels / 30% new
pH: 3.81
ALCOHOL: 15.5%
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92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
