Critics are calling the 2023 Napa Valley vintage—including high-elevation appellations like Howell Mountain—exceptional, highly consistent "legend in the making" with balance, structure, and freshness.
93 Points — James Suckling
Food Pairings
Grilled Rib Eye Steak · Lamb Sliders · Roast duck with a cherry reduction · Roasted Eggplant · Cheddar cheese · Flourless chocolate cake
Vintage
Wine Spectator rates the 2023 Napa Cabernet vintage with a preliminary score range of 94–97 points, describing it as a growing season shaped by a wet winter followed by a steady, dry, and cool climate.Growing Season & Character. A wet winter replenished water supplies, leading into a steady, dry, and cool growing season. Mountain-grown Cabernets from appellations like Howell Mountain (sitting above the 1,400-foot elevation line) benefit from these cooler, steady conditions, typically yielding distinctive, structured wines with bright fruit and fine tannins.
Howell Mountain
One of the first sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA, Howell Mountain rises well above the valley fog. While coastal fog blankets the valley floor, the mountain's weather remains sunny and cool, as it sits at higher elevations, starting at 1,400 feet and reaching 2,300 feet resulting in warmer nights and cooler days compared to the valley floor. Its higher elevation yields nearly twice the rainfall of the valley below, yet the rocky, porous volcanic soil drains well, resulting in drier conditions. Cooler spring temperatures delay bud break, while warm summer nights foster a harmonious balance of acidity and sugar in the fruit. This gradual growth process produces small, concentrated grapes that yield robust, complex yet well-balanced wines. A truly unique combination of factors producing a diverse range of complex flavors in your glass. Overall, the altitude and rocky, dry soil conditions create wines with firm structure, incredible varietal intensity, and excellent aging properties.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Winemaking: Clean & Sustainable, Hand-Harvested, Small Lot Production
Aging: 21 months
Barrels: 50% new French Oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.9%
Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes
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.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
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.
