Heir Apparent 2023 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon2023
Heir Apparent 2023 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Region
Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.5%

Taste profile

LightBold
SavoryFruity
SmoothTannic
SoftAcidic

Body: Full-bodied, polished, structured and refined

Aromas & flavors: Blackcurrant, juicy dark fruit, raspberry, dried rose, wild herbs, spice

Tannins & finish: Fine tannins, energetic fruit, clean earth-driven finish

Pairings: Lamb T-bone, grilled ribeye, roasted duck, aged cheddar, venison stew, rosemary braised short ribs

Tasting notes are for this wine, but from the 2022 vintage.

Sources: heirapparentwinery.com, jamessuckling.com, delectable.com, tastingpanelmag.com

Decision brief

Deal comparison

Deal verdict unavailable — Wine-Searcher does not have an average price for this wine.

Price comparison

Per bottle
SourcePrice
Wine Spies Price—
Wine Spies listed retail$125
Avg Price (Wine-Searcher)
—
Avg Current Online Price (Estimated*)—
Lowest Current Online Price (Estimated*)—

Vintage Quality

Vintage Chart

Wine Spectator · Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
94-97
2023 VintageExceptional
NYR

One of the longest growing seasons in a decade; wet winter, dry cool steady season; wines show freshness, purity, elegance

95+90-9485-89<85
Best
20232021201920182016201420132012
Avoid
2022200320001998
Community

Comments across Wine Spies deals and wines.

Post about

Heir Apparent 2023 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Tim McCullough
AboutCLASSIFIED 2022 'Undisclosed' Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

They don't mention that on the site..."We hand-selected the best grapes from our iconic BV Ranches No. 1 and No. 2. Originally planted by Georges de Latour in the early 1900s, these vineyards lie on the western bench of the Rutherford AVA. We focused on clonal selections 6, 4, 169, 7, and 8, which yield small berries with the high skin-to-juice ratio needed to make intense, long-lived wines. These vines are deeply rooted in the well-draining, alluvial-fan soils of Rutherford, which is considered one of the finest regions in the Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon."

J
Jamal
AboutCLASSIFIED 2022 'Undisclosed' Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine spies CLASSIFIED 2022 'Undisclosed' Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Is most likely referring to the 2022 BV Georges de Latour Cabernet. 2022 is a MEH year for Napa grapes (check the winebuyerapp vintage guide up top 2022 is RED), so expect to see a lot of 2022 wines sold at a slight discount, but apparently James Suckling mentioned the 2022 is the year BV (probably at the behest of Treasury Wine Estates) changed the sourcing of the BV Latour to a blend that has 20% fruit from outside Rutherford. So saying the discount from $180 to $108 is a steal is a stretch. It is a discount, but honestly not worth it unless they mark it down to under $50.

Marc Toglia

Agree with all you are saying, truth!

A
Apesee

You're right that 2022 was a tough one in Napa. But before writing off the vintage, keep in mind this is the wineries flagship wine. Even hot years are where great winemaking really shows. I've tasted plenty of warm vintages over the years, some pushing 16% to 17% alcohol, and with the best producers you'd never guess it on the palate because everything stays balanced. I would venture to say that most 'Flagship wines' you will get high quality regardless of the vintage. it's what they base their reputation on. True some may be more approachable or less cellar worthy long term, but I wouldn't write something off without investigating. With hot years, timing and site matter a lot too. Some parts of the valley stay cooler and elevation matters as well. Harvest picked before or right after the heat came out in much better shape. The product page for the winery lists a range. Same with "fire years", when did they pick? On price, $180 is the winery's standard retail if it is the BV?

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