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.
VINTAGE
The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District is characterized as a "storybook," cool-climate year, delivering exceptional, high-quality wines with bright acidity, elegance, and moderate alcohol. A wet winter and mild spring led to a long growing season with high yields.
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%
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96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
