Neyers 2020 Left Bank Red

The 2020 Neyers Left Bank Red is a compelling Napa Valley interpretation of a classic Bordeaux inspired blend, delivering both intellectual depth and immediate pleasure. Rooted in gravel rich soils along Manley Lane, this wine channels the spirit of Saint Julien while remaining unmistakably Californian in its generosity and texture. The vintage benefited from a warm summer tempered by a cooling period that extended hang time, allowing the fruit to reach full physiological maturity while preserving balance and aromatic lift.

Composed of 70 percent Merlot and 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine opens with a confident and inviting bouquet of cassis, fresh blackberry, and ripe plum, layered with subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and dried herbs. There is a sense of polish and composure from the first swirl, suggesting careful élevage and thoughtful blending. Hints of cocoa powder and sweet tobacco emerge with air, reflecting the influence of 100 percent French oak without ever overwhelming the fruit.

On the palate, the 2020 Left Bank Red is medium to full bodied, offering a mouth filling texture that feels both supple and precise. The Merlot provides a core of plush dark fruit and roundness, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure, definition, and a gentle firmness that frames the wine beautifully. Flavors unfold in layers, moving from black cherry and blackberry to subtle savory tones, gravelly minerality, and a refined oak spice that adds complexity rather than weight.

What distinguishes this wine is its balance and finish. The acidity is well judged, supporting the richness of the fruit and giving the wine freshness and energy. Tannins are fine grained and integrated, creating a smooth, comforting sensation that lingers without heaviness. The finish is long, polished, and quietly complex, allowing nuanced flavors to resonate well after the last sip.

With an alcohol of 14.4 percent and a harmonious structural profile, this 2020 Left Bank Red is approachable now with a brief decant, yet it clearly possesses the balance and composure to evolve gracefully over the next decade. It stands as a thoughtful, site driven blend that rewards both contemplation and enjoyment, offering Napa Valley elegance through a distinctly Left Bank lens.

Blend: 70% Merlot & 70% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.7%

93 POINTS - "Classically structured and packed with flavor, this full-bodied blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon shows the whole gamut of Bordeaux grape flavors from black olive and graphite to deep black currant and tobacco notes. Hearty, grippy tannins add an appetizing touch to the texture." - Wine Enthusiast

91 POINTS - "Light-footed and refined, with elegantly layered red currant, anise and savory spice flavors that glide toward sleek tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2029. 701 cases made." - Wine Spectator

90 POINTS - "A full-bodied red with aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, cassis, bay leaves and olives. Firm tannins here, with excellent balance and freshness too. Drink or hold." - James Suckling

The texture is both balanced and mouth-filling. The flavor is the highlight though, and almost from the start there’s complexity with a wide range of flavors. The summer was warm in 2020, but a cold spell delayed the harvest until late September, so they took advantage of the entire growing season. This is a perfect example, as the final sensation here is an attractive smoothness, a comforting soft sensation that allows the subtle flavors to shine.