98 Points Decanter
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is finesse-driven, offering lush fruit and classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon character, with blackberry and black cherry fruit layered with dark salted chocolate and espresso bean nuances. Fine-grained, polished tannins shape the palate, while a wave of freshness carries through in notes of crushed stones, saline acidity, and fragrant dark berry fruit on the finish. Positively delicious, with a freshness factor that surpasses the already impressive 2022 vintage. In 2023, the wine was aged for 18 months in 45% new French oak. Lattice Run Vineyard, planted in 1998 to Clone 337, is known for producing plush fruit in its youth; as the vines mature, that early generosity has evolved into greater layered intensity, with smaller berries contributing structure and concentration. Located along the western bench of Yountville, just north of Sleeping Lady Vineyard, the site is owned and meticulously farmed by the Bettinelli family. Gravelly Cortina series soils provide excellent drainage, while the vineyard’s lattice-style trellis system promotes airflow and sunlight exposure.
96 Points Tasting Panel
A full-volume red. Violets pop on the nose and palate, the wine taking on a muscular, rugged presence. Harden noted the big boulders and high gravel loam soil, making for good drainage and thus realized in this well-structured Cab.
94 Points Wine Spectator
This is solid, with a steady beam of cassis, black cherry and blackberry paste flavors that offer cut and energy. There’s a ping of iron peeking out, along with sweet tobacco and apple wood notes on the finish. Shows energy in reserve. Best from 2027 through 2039.
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Explosive aromas of concentrated berries, black plum, mint, and licorice drive the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate displays potent tannin and bright acidity framing flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, toasty spices, gravel, and leather across a generously textured finish.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 State Ranch is bold and deeply structured, offering a full-bodied palate that fills every corner of the mouth. Aromas lead with dense black cherry, cassis, and plum skin, layered over subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and crushed rock. The wine is richly textured with firm, finely-knit tannins and a core of blackberry and dried blueberry. This is a Cabernet built for the cellar but already showing impressive presence and detail in its youth.
