Flora Springs 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Rutherford and Oak Knoll come together in seamless harmony in the Flora Springs 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that speaks eloquently of Napa Valley’s grandeur and precision. From the first swirl, aromas of blackcurrant, wild berries, and a fine thread of licorice rise with intensity, hinting at the pedigree of its vineyard sources. The palate unfolds with broad strokes of dark fruit, beautifully etched by savory notes of fennel, sage, and a whisper of dried earth, carrying the signature mineral lift that Rutherford so famously imparts. Oak Knoll, in turn, lends a rounded generosity and supple fruit character, softening the edges while maintaining impeccable poise.

The 2023 vintage will be remembered as one of Napa’s most balanced in over a decade, blessed with long, temperate ripening conditions that allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve profound depth without excess. Here, the refinement of the tannins is immediately evident—firm yet finely woven, with a crushed-stone texture that enhances the wine’s backbone. With time in the glass, additional layers emerge: bitter cooking chocolate, chocolate-covered cherries, and a subtle lift of white pepper, all cascading into a finish that lingers with juiciness and mineral tension. This is a wine that insists on another sip, not because it demands attention, but because it offers such compelling elegance.

Crafted by winemaker Gina G-Boisset, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon was vinified with patience and precision, aged for 18 months in French oak, 35% new, and allowed extended time on lees to build weight and seamless integration. The élevage has polished the wine’s edges, adding sophistication without sacrificing its vibrant freshness. Only 3,483 cases were produced, making it both a testament to quality and a wine that rewards those who seek out Napa’s most expressive bottles.

What elevates this release further is its ability to pair with a wide spectrum of cuisine. Herb-crusted lamb chops with rosemary mirror its herbal complexity, while a wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil amplifies its earthy depth. Aged Gouda underscores its dark-fruited richness and mineral backbone, offering proof of its versatility at the table.

While approachable now, the Flora Springs 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon will develop beautifully through 2029, gaining further nuance and harmony with time in the cellar. It is a wine that captures the essence of place, the rhythm of a remarkable vintage, and the vision of a team committed to balance and depth. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, this is Napa Valley Cabernet at its most captivating—structured yet refined, grounded yet elevated, a bottle that will stand proudly among the region’s finest.

Alcohol: 14.4%

The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon has been meticulously sourced from premier vineyard sites in both Rutherford and Oak Knoll - two of Napa Valley’s most distinguished AVAs. Hand-selected blocks from these regions were chosen for their exceptional expression of site, each contributing distinct qualities to the final blend. From Rutherford comes the signature crushed stone minerality, dusty elegance, and powerful structure, while Oak Knoll lends a softer tannin profile, with rich, round textures and plush fruit character. Together, these sites create a harmonious and dynamic wine that captures the best of both worlds—structured yet supple, grounded yet refined

This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive notes of blackcurrant, wild berries, and a hint of licorice, unfolding into layers of dark fruit that dominate the palate. A subtle lift of white pepper leads into savory herbs—fennel, sage, and a whisper of dried earth; adding nuance and intrigue. The tannins are firm yet finely textured, with a crushed-stone quality that provides structure and elegance. As the wine evolves, flavors of bitter cooking chocolate and chocolate-covered dark cherries emerge, offering depth and richness. The finish is long and mouthwatering, driven by a balance of juiciness and mineral tension that invites another sip.