Great vintages are often signaled early in a wine’s life. Mere weeks into existence, the richness, balance and power of 2023 was clear. Carefully sourced Napa Valley vineyards produced great dividends with a perfect marriage of round tannin and supple fruit.

Brilliant scarlet red on the rim, denoting a pronounced natural acidity, the wine quickly finds depth in an opaque, violet hue. A rich nose of crushed minerals and red/black berry fruit fills the glass, framed by dusky, dark violets. Complexity on the initial palate girds the expectation of an unbridled wine.

Like gentle giant, this wine clearly has a powerful build but conveys a restrained intensity. Soft tannins marked by toasty oak and a wide frame of confit red and purple fruits mark the midpalate. Freshness extends the long finish. There is something here for everyone, and in abundance.