Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bonded Winery No. 71 Napa Valley 2023

“This is a special release for the grand opening of the fully refurbished Beaulieu Vineyard estate, which was the 71st winery in California, out of some 17,000 today. It's a lovely wine with a noble personality, built on ironstone-laced, super-fine tannins, loads of blue-black fruit notes, sweet spices, and blood orange acidity with hints of unsweetened cocoa powder and a long, graphite-mineral, full-bodied finish.”

“A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petite Sirah, and 3% other reds aged six months in 30% new French oak. Black raspberry, fennel, and dark chocolate are staged on a beefy platform. Tannins are sturdy yet supple, offering a gateway to graphite and cigar leaf. Luxurious, with juicy, ripe cassis on the finish.”