2020, Napanook, Jean-Pierre Moueix, NAPA VALLEY

A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the fruit for the 2020 Napanook (like the 2020 Dominus) was picked prior to the start of the Glass Fire on September 27. Scents of redcurrants and cherries lead the way, bolstered by notes of dark chocolate and mocha. It's medium to full-bodied and silky in feel, despite a touch of warmth on the palate, while the long finish picks up a hint of red capsicum and a touch of coarseness. 92 Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (2023).

The 2020 Napanook is terrific. Bold, juicy and quite expressive, the 2020 has good energy and fruit pushed forward. Dusty, chocolaty tannins wrap it all together. The balance here is commendable for the year. 90 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2023).

With a towering structure and solid composition, the Napanook delivers ripe red berries, gooseberry, and black cherry fruit. The aromatics possess a quiet intensity, which builds with good momentum on the palate, finding a broad and expansive medium to full-bodied palate with elegant strands of granular-textured tannins. Nicely delineated red cherry and blackberry fruits are infused with spicebush notes, an aromatic shrub brush surrounding the property, which layers in a distinct citrusy nuance. Quite compact upon opening, and decanting for at least half an hour is recommended - a solid effort in a challenging year. 96 Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (2023).

Drinking Window: 2024 - 2032