Longtime readers will know that one of my chosen “sports” involves tasting barrel samples of recent vintages in Napa to get a sense of any given year’s potential across a wide range of producers. My usual venue for this activity is the annual Premiere Napa Valley wine auction, held by the Napa Valley Vintners Association each year as a fundraiser for the organization’s activities.
In recent years, changes to the event’s schedule have meant it conflicted with a school holiday, and therefore, a regular family vacation. So recently I’ve had to make do with tasting the leftovers of a limited number of barrel samples that get put into half-bottles and sent around to prospective bidders.
This year, however, the event schedule switched back to holding the barrel tasting and auction on Saturday, which meant I was able to attend as I have in the past, to try to get a deeper sense of the vintage on offer, which in the case of this year’s event was primarily 2024.
Unfortunately, instead of the usual 3+ hours to taste through as many of the 180 barrel samples as I could, the schedule was compressed down to two hours, so I didn’t get through as many as I would have liked, but I still managed to taste enough wines to have a sense of what the 2024 wines will be like when they begin to be released later this year and early next.
A Very Warm, Very Untroubled Vintage
The primary challenge facing the 2024 vintage in Napa? Coming on the heels of the 2023 vintage which was heralded by the Napa Vintners as the “vintage of a lifetime.” It’s so very exciting to use superlatives, but once you start, it becomes difficult to stop, and particularly difficult to top.
That said, no one seemed prepared to say that 2024 was better than 2023 in any case. In the absence of the previous season’s adulations, however, 2024 would inherently merit substantial praise for its untroubled flowering, consistent ripening, and lack of inclement weather.
In reality, the season was a scorcher, with roughly 40 days of the growing season topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Napa Valley. Luckily, the year’s elevated heat posed fewer problems than it might otherwise have, thanks to the previous winter’s elevated rainfall totals.
In the winter of 2024, Napa received 10% more moisture than average, with some appellations (including some of the warmest sections of the valley, such as Calistoga) receiving upwards of 30% more rainfall than average.
This reservoir of soil moisture allowed well-farmed vines to nicely handle the heat that began in June and kept right on going through October. Across the board, Napa saw 13% more growing degree days than in 2023 and 2.22% more than the very warm 2022 vintage. Growing degree days are a way of measuring how much heat vines get over time by adding up how warm each day is above 50˚ Farhenheit and cumulatively how many such days occur during the growing season.
As harvest began in August, things looked like they were going to be steady and methodical moving through September (which famously features heat spikes around Labor Day). In 2024, however, the heat came in early October, which took a leisurely harvest and threw it into overdrive, as five days of 100+ degree heat took grapes from approaching ripeness to “must be harvested” within a week.
Whereas there are often producers, especially on mountainsides, who can still be harvesting Cabernet into early November at times, in 2024, pretty much everyone was done in the month of October, which was the second hottest on record in more than a decade.
Rain arrived at the end of the month and nicely closed the door on the vintage.
Supple, Generous, and Pleasurable
The best wines of 2024 deliver what everyone comes to Napa seeking—sunshine in a glass. The fruit is generous, juicy, and lush. Climate chaos has changed the way that many wineries farm in Napa. I’ve heard one producer describe it as “farming shade as opposed to the old days when we were farming ripeness.” No longer are producers aggressively removing leaves to get sun exposure on their grape clusters. Instead, most are leafing only for airflow, counting on the shade to protect the fruit when things get hot, as they did in 2024.
The best growers made the most exciting wines in 2024, because they preserved acidity and didn’t let their fruit get overly ripe in that hectic, hot October season. Overall, the wines and their acid/tannin balance have slightly less edge and definition than was afforded by the cool perfection of the 2023 vintage, but the best are immensely pleasurable to drink. I suspect they won’t be quite as long-lived as the previous vintage, either, but that seems almost unimportant these days, when most wines are being consumed almost immediately.
For those looking to pop open bottles soon after purchasing, the 2024 vintage made for wines that are perhaps slightly more accessible in their youth, assuming wineries managed extraction and barrel aging well, and many did.
In short, 2024 was in many ways a return to the kind of weather and growing season that has made Napa the envy of many a Cabernet-focused region around the world, prompting the use of the adjective “classic” in many descriptions of the vintage. I’d tend to agree with that assessment and would emphasize that for many, that should mean excellent.
Tasting Notes
These notes and attendant scores were all made at a walk-around tasting of barrel samples (and a couple of finished wines) in a short period of time. Apply, therefore, any grain of salt you wish to their relevance to you personally.
While these wines are not, by design, sold directly to consumers, many of the winning bidders will put some or all of their wines up for sale when they are bottled and delivered, which will be sometime in late 2026 and into 2027. The Napa Vinters make a directory of these wines and their sellers available to interested collectors who want to hunt them down. For the wines below, check that link in October and November of this year.
For those of us who could never afford to pay the premium that comes attached to these rare bottles, I suggest looking at my most highly rated producers and making sure you’re in a position to purchase their regular releases when they are made available in roughly the same timeframe.
The Wines That Aren’t Red
1995 Schramsberg Vineyards “1995 J. Schram Late Disgorged” Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, California
Light gold in the glass with very fine bubbles, this wine smells of crushed nuts and dried citrus peel. In the mouth, saline and juicy flavors of nutty dried citrus mix with wet chalkboard notes. Mouthwatering and utterly delicious. 20 years on the lees, oh my, oh my. Score: between 9.5 and 10.
2022 Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine “La Vie en Rosé” Sparkling Wine, Los Carneros, California
Pale pink in the glass with fine bubbles, this wine smells of red apple and berries. In the mouth, a soft mousse delivers bright berry flavors mixed with crisp red apple and cranberry notes, carried by great acidity. Score: around 9.
2025 Lang & Reed Napa Valley “Lune Folle” Chenin Blanc, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, California
Pale gold in the glass, this barrel sample smells of struck match, lemon peel, grapefruit, and pear skin. In the mouth, salty grapefruit and pear skin flavors mix with a light grip. Very good acidity. Score: around 9.
2025 Ballentine, Gaderian, Trois Noix “The Chenin Accord” Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, California
Pale gold in the glass, this barrel sample smells of crushed nuts and pear. In the mouth, stony flavors of pear skin and grapefruit mix with wet stone and citrus pith. Score: between 8.5 and 9.
2025 Lola Wines White Wine, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Pale gold in the glass, this barrel sample smells of citrus peel and wet pavement. In the mouth, bright citrus pith and unripe pear flavors mix in a lean, juicy frame. Score: between 8.5 and 9.
2025 Fiadh Ruadh Sauvignon Blanc, Los Carneros, California
Pale gold in the glass and slightly hazy, this barrel sample smells of clean, bright lemon pith. In the mouth, lemon pith and lemon peel flavors dominate. I’d like more zing. Score: around 8.5.
Red Wines With a Score Between 9.5 and 10
2024 Almacerro Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry and black currant. In the mouth, gorgeous, supple cherry and black currant fruit mix with green herbs, fine tannins, and great acidity. Lingering, long finish. Gracefully elegant.
2024 Corison, Gallica, Matthiasson Red Table Wine, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black currant, black cherry, and green herbs. In the mouth, tight, fine tannins surround black currant and black cherry flavors. Great acidity and balance, long finish. Fantastic poise. A collaboration between three top producers.
2024 Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of earth, black cherry, licorice, and flowers. In the mouth, juicy, bright black cherry fruit mixes with licorice and herbs, finishing long with fantastic acidity. Outstanding.
2024 Pym-Rae “Le Sommet” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of earth, blackcurrant, dried herbs, and dried flowers. In the mouth, bright, juicy blackcurrant fruit mixes with citrus peel and herbs in a lithe, lifted wine with fantastic acidity. Frankly gorgeous.
Red Wines With a Score Around 9.5
2023 Stony Hill Vineyard “Côtes des Pierres – Premiere Napa Valley Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of cherry and mocha. In the mouth, mocha, cherry, and crushed-nut flavors mix with fine tannins and great acidity.
2024 Davies, Diamond Creek, Diamond Mountain, Dyer, Lokoya “Diamond Mountain Five” Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of mocha, oak, and dark cherry. In the mouth, black cherry and blueberry flavors mix with fine tannins and bright, juicy acidity. A collaboration between five wineries on Diamond Mountain.
2024 Riverain Vineyards “Tench Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, blackberry, and espresso. In the mouth, fleecy tannins surround expansive black fruit, slightly drying but beautiful and seamless, if a little hulking.
2024 Inglenook “Gio 1988” Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of dark plum, mocha, earth, and green herbs. In the mouth, fine tannins support plum and mocha flavors, mixed with green herbal notes. Long finish, great acidity.
2024 House of Far Niente – Thomas Rivers Brown Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry, mocha, and oak. In the mouth, sweet black cherry and blueberry fruit mix with floral notes. Long finish. Great acidity. Fleecy tannins. A collaboration between Far Niente and superstar winemaking consultant Thomas Rivers Brown.
2024 Marciano Estate “L’Élan” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of cola, black cherry, mocha, and baking spice. In the mouth, mocha, black cherry, and blueberry flavors mix with baking spice and dusty tannins, supported by great acidity.
2024 Doi Da Winery “Edcora Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and dark plum. In the mouth, black cherry fruit is wrapped in smooth, fine tannins and lingers in a long, nutty finish. Beautiful.
2024 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and black plum. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and plum flavors are wrapped in smooth-textured, fine tannins. Great acidity. Delicious.
2024 Quintessa “Terroir Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, mocha, and dried flowers. In the mouth, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit mix with floral notes, great acidity, and a long finish. Fine tannins, great balance.
2024 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Tribute to 50 Years of Cask 23” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, earth, and herbs. In the mouth, earthy black cherry fruit mixes with fine tannins, great acidity, and a long finish.
2024 Antinori Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of sweet, bright cherry. In the mouth, juicy cherry fruit mixes with fine tannins and plummy notes. Long finish.
2024 Chappellet Vineyard “Upper Terraces” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of struck match and black cherry. In the mouth, saline, juicy black cherry fruit is wrapped in fine tannins that give the wine a youthful feeling. Great acidity, long finish. Outstanding.
2024 Denali Estate “The Beauty II” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry with a hint of struck match. In the mouth, fine tannins surround a core of black cherry and blackcurrant. Great acidity, long finish. Delicious.
2024 Beringer Vineyards “Sesquicentennial Cuvée” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of cherry and plum. In the mouth, bright, lifted cherry fruit feels juicy and lithe and is supported by very fine tannins. Great acidity and energy here.
2024 Benevolent Neglect Wines “Equilibria Vineyard -The Debut” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and flowers. In the mouth, juicy black plum fruit is wrapped in fine tannins and great acidity. Long finish, superb balance.
2024 Fisher Vineyards “Lamb Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry and sweet oak. In the mouth, juicy black cherry fruit is wrapped in long, smooth, fine tannins. Sweet oak and a hint of nuttiness emerge in the finish.
Red Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5
2024 Hourglass “Cortina” Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of mocha, nutty notes, and sweet cherry. In the mouth, cherry and plum fruit mix with great acidity, finishing long and juicy.
2024 Shafer Vineyards “Sunspot Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Medium-to-dark purple in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and black currant. In the mouth, black cherry and black currant fruit mix with sweet oak and muscular tannins. The wine has broad shoulders, with oak lingering on the finish and a touch of heat. Very good acidity.
2024 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Dark purple in color, this wine has an aromatic perfume of black cherry and blueberry. In the mouth, fleecy tannins drape black cherry and blueberry fruit mixed with mocha and baking spice. Very good acidity.
2024 Turnbull Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of grapey black cherry and blueberry. In the mouth, candied blueberry and cherry flavors mix with sweet oak, cola, and fine tannins. Slightly high-toned but boisterous.
2024 Signorello Estate “Renaissance” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and blueberry. In the mouth, black cherry and earth notes mix with fine, leathery tannins. Excellent acidity.
2024 O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet with purple highlights, this barrel sample smells of cola and black cherry. In the mouth, juicy black cherry fruit mixes with fine tannins that stiffen toward the finish, giving the wine nice structure. Excellent acidity.
2024 Arrow & Branch “Meteor Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of blackcurrant and black cherry. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and black plum fruit mix with mocha as nutty notes emerge in the finish.
2024 Dakota Shy & Detert Family Vineyards “Oakville Legacy” Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Dark purple in color, this barrel sample smells of nutty dark plum. In the mouth, juicy black plum and dark cherry fruit mix with fine tannins, good acidity, and a long finish. A collaboration between two producers.
2024 Chimney Rock Winery “Tomahawk Vineyard Unfiltered” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and a hint of snuffed candle. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit mix with supple, fine tannins. Great acidity, long finish.
2024 HALL “Rainin” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Inky purple in color, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry. In the mouth, plush black cherry fruit feels faintly sweet but crowd-pleasing, with very good acidity. The tannins are slightly drying.
2024 Robert Mondavi Winery “To Kalon Vineyard” Red Table Wine, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and graphite. In the mouth, fresh black cherry and espresso flavors are wrapped in fine tannins. Herbal notes emerge in the long finish. Excellent acidity.
2024 Paradigm Winery “Premiere Napa Valley Blend” Red Table Wine, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet-purple in color, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry, sumac, and floral notes. In the mouth, rich ripe black cherry and black plum fruit mix with hints of earth and mocha, supported by fleecy tannins.
2024 Merus “Oriens” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of struck match, black cherry, and plum. In the mouth, black cherry fruit is juicy with good acidity wrapped in fine tannins.
2024 Silverado Vineyards “Deep Six” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry. In the mouth, sweet black cherry fruit feels smooth, supple, and sexy, with very good acidity.
2024 Fantesca Estate & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of cherry and mocha. In the mouth, cherry, mocha, and black cherry fruit mix with a hint of struck match. Fine tannins and excellent acidity.
2023 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, tobacco, and cola. In the mouth, cola and black cherry fruit mix with fine tannins, finishing long, juicy, and with great acidity.
2024 Larkmead Vineyards “The Lark Ascending” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, earth, and dried herbs. In the mouth, juicy black cherry fruit is wrapped in muscular, fleecy tannins. Very good acidity.
2024 Force & Grace Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark purple in the glass, this barrel sample smells of sweet black cherry. In the mouth, black cherry fruit mixes with fleecy tannins. Very good acidity. Long finish.
2024 Carte Blanche Wine “Historic Hopper” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and dark chocolate. In the mouth, black cherry and chocolate flavors are wrapped in fleecy tannins. Great acidity, long finish.
2025 Cain Vineyard & Winery “Cain Five Reborn!” Red Table Wine, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of dark cherry, herbs, and chaparral. In the mouth, vaguely saline flavors of black cherry and blackcurrant mix with fine tannins. Excellent acidity. Very distinctive and pretty. Contracted fruit made by the Cain team for the first time since the fires.
Red Wines With a Score Around 9
2024 Copper Bear “Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Dark purple in color, this barrel sample smells of nutty black cherry and black currant. In the mouth, fleecy, fine, muscular tannins support black cherry fruit, stiffening toward the finish but supported by good acidity.
2024 Blackbird Vineyards “Dreamweaver” Cabernet Franc, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, California
Inky garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of plum, black cherry, and flowers. In the mouth, fleecy tannins support juicy, ripe black plum and earth notes. Big tannins. Very good acidity.
2024 Amici Cellars Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of nutty chocolate and mocha. In the mouth, tight, muscular tannins surround cherry and mocha flavors. Very good acidity.
2023 Chris Corley Wines “Middle C | 88 Keys” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Napa Valley, California
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of plum, sweet oak, and cherry. In the mouth, juicy cherry fruit mixes with fine tannins in a medium-bodied, pretty wine.
2024 Ghost Block Estate Wines “Maratona” Red Table Wine, Yountville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry. In the mouth, blackberry and blueberry fruit mix with crushed nut notes. Decent acidity.
2024 Silver Oak “The Beauty Beneath” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells strongly of coconut, plus herbs, cherry, and espresso. In the mouth, cherry and espresso flavors mix with a hint of whiskey barrel. Fine tannins and good acidity.
2024 Arietta “H Block Hudson Vineyards” Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of nutty dark plum. In the mouth, nutty flavors of cherry and plum mix with black pepper and oak. Very good acidity.
2024 Blankiet Estate “Paradise Hill Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and ripe Bing cherry. In the mouth, plush, ripe black cherry fruit has softer acidity.
2024 Seven Stones Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark purple in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and black plum. In the mouth, thick, muscular black cherry fruit mixes with fleecy tannins and good acidity. Somewhat overly brawny.
2024 Clos du Val “Le Duo” Red Table Wine, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of sweet cherry with a hint of struck match. In the mouth, cherry, mocha, espresso, and nutty notes are wrapped in fine tannins and juicy acidity.
2024 Apogia Wines “The Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Very dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of candied black cherry. In the mouth, black cherry fruit mixes with good acidity in a juicy frame with hints of plum skin.
Red Wines With a Score Between 8.5 and 9
2024 Baldacci Family Vineyards “Sixth Sense” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of oak and black cherry. In the mouth, thick, massive tannins surround black cherry fruit. Feels over-extracted.
2025 Frog’s Leap “Williams Rossi Vineyard” Charbono, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Dark purple in the glass, this barrel sample smells of blueberry, blackberry, licorice, and flowers. In the mouth, blackberry and blueberry fruit mix with floral notes, fine tannins, and great acidity. Just a bit too ripe.
2024 Revelette Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Medium-dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of struck match and crushed nuts. In the mouth, struck match notes mix with cherry and crushed nuts. Decent acidity.
2024 Keenan Winery “Red-Tailed Hawk” Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet with purple highlights, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and oak. In the mouth, oak and muscular tannins dominate the black cherry fruit, with great acidity but just too much wood.
2024 Spring Mountain Vineyard “The Final Curtain” Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of sweet oak and sweet black cherry. In the mouth, slightly sweet cherry fruit mixes with oak and fleecy tannins. A bit ripe.
2024 Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Napa Valley, California
Inky purple in color, this barrel sample smells of blueberry and licorice. In the mouth, black cherry and blueberry fruit are wrapped in thick tannins, a hint of struck match, and good acidity.
2024 Women Winemakers “Women Winemakers” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and oak. In the mouth, black cherry fruit mixes with sweet oak. Muscular tannins. Decent acidity. A collaboration between a whole group of ladies in Napa.
2024 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in color, this barrel sample smells of nutty cherry. In the mouth, nutty cola and cherry fruit mix with blackcurrant and a hint of struck match. Decent acidity.
2024 Miner Family Winery “Vaca Range” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet in the glass, this barrel sample smells of black cherry and candied mocha. In the mouth, black cherry fruit is delivered with very good acidity.
Red Wines With a Score Around 8.5
2024 Panek Vineyards “A Tale of Two Clones” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Inky purple in color, this barrel sample smells of ripe, sweet black cherry. In the mouth, ripe, sweet black cherry fruit is smothered in thick tannins. Overdone.
