Weekly Special 154

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 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 a gentle giant, this wine clearly has a powerful build but conveys a 
restrained intensity that adds to the lore. Soft tannins marked by toasted oak and 
a wide frame of confit red and purple fruit mark the midpalate. Freshness extends 
the long finish. There is something here for everyone - and in spades.