94 Points - Decanter
Winemaker and mountain specialist Chad Alexander has done it again. This is an inky, hedonistic, rich, and all-out luscious Cali-Cab crafted from small sub-districts across select areas of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. It’s a harmonious fusion capturing the rich, full-bodied muscle of Napa combined with the vibrant, fruit-forward charm of Sonoma.
Winemaking
Surrounded by some of the areas most renowned producers in the heart of the Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley, a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted, showcasing the best of both regions. This blend is a harmonious fusion of the rich, full-bodied characteristics of Napa's Cabernet, combined with the vibrant, fruity notes of Sonoma's. The winemaking process involves careful selection, meticulous vinification, and aging in both new and used oak barrels to achieve a balance of power and elegance. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend that captures the essence of both regions. This blend is a testament to the commitment to excellence and the ability to create wines that are both distinctive and memorable.
Vintage
The 2023 growing season offered bountiful winter rains (via atmospheric rivers) replenished groundwater, followed by a cool, wet spring and a late-starting, long, steady, and mild growing season. Harvest stretched out as berries sized up nicely. The weather conditions avoided major late-summer heat spikes, fires, or heavy harvest-time rains, allowing slow, even sugar progression and gentle tannin maturity. Wine Spectator rated the 2023 Napa Cabernet vintage with a preliminary score range of 94–97 points
Winemaker
Chad Alexander is the mind behind these iconic wines. He's been at it over a quarter century, helping put some of the most coveted wineries like Robert Craig and Hess Collection on the map. With unparalleled attention to detail, Chad ensures that every element contributes to the ultimate expression of his wines. His pursuit of perfection allows his wines to rival and even surpass the some of the very best in the Napa Valley.
VINTAGE: 2023
VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Napa Valley & Sonoma County
ALCOHOL: 15.2%
Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
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.
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
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.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
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.
94 Points
Dark purple in color it opens with explosive aromas of wild blackberry, and a touch of vanilla oak. The palate is bursting with ripe juicy flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry, accented by layers of cedar, cacao, cinnamon and briary spice. It’s bold enough to stand up to any BBQ, yet smooth enough to sip on the patio as the sun goes down. Enjoy now and for the next 6-8 years.
