2023 Westside Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford

The 2023 vintage from Hidden Canyon Vineyard represents an exceptional discovery that perfectly encapsulates what we seek in premium Napa Valley terroir. This terraced site, nestled in the Mayacamas foothills on Rutherford's west side, delivered fruit of extraordinary quality with the classic Rutherford dust minerality we prize, while its elevation and mountain embrace creates a distinctive microclimate. The cooler temperatures allowed for extended hang time in 2023, resulting in fruit with remarkable phenolic development and natural acidity retention - achieving that rare combination of concentrated flavors and excellent tannin structure while maintaining the freshness and elegance that separates truly great sites from merely powerful ones.

This inaugural vintage confirms our belief that Hidden Canyon Vineyard will become a cornerstone site for years to come. The marriage of classic Rutherford character with mountain elegance, combined with the exceptional 2023 vintage conditions, has produced a wine that represents the very best of what we strive to achieve - honest, site-driven expression that honors both the vineyard and the vintage.

Appearance: Deep, saturated garnet with brilliant purple-black core, displaying remarkable concentration and youthful vibrancy that reflects the exceptional 2023 vintage from this hidden benchland site. The wine exhibits pristine clarity with an almost opaque center, framed by luminous ruby highlights that hint at the cooler climate influence of the Mayacamas foothills. Full viscosity creates slow, well-defined tears that cling elegantly to the glass, indicating substantial extract and the influence of 22 months in 100% new French oak from this terraced vineyard sanctuary.

Aroma: The bouquet is immediately captivating and complex, showcasing the unique marriage of classic Rutherford power with the subliminal elegance of this cooler, terraced mountain site. Rich aromas of concentrated blackcurrant and dark cherry leap from the glass, layered with ripe blackberry and boysenberry that speak to the exceptional 2023 fruit quality. The famous Rutherford dust character emerges through mineral-driven graphite and wet stone notes, while the vineyard's tucked-away location in the Mayacamas foothills contributes distinctive mountain herb and subtle violet nuances. Twenty-two months in 100% new French oak has integrated seamlessly, adding elegant cedar, vanilla bean, and warm spices without overwhelming the extraordinary terroir expression. Deeper layers reveal dark chocolate, espresso, and hints of mountain sage, promising the complexity that makes this hidden canyon site so special.

Taste: The entry delivers the power of classic Rutherford complemented by the refined elegance of this cooler mountain terroir. Concentrated dark fruit flavors of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and blackberry dominate, supported by layers of plum and cassis that showcase the 2023 vintage's exceptional quality. The iconic Rutherford dust character provides mineral backbone and earthy complexity, while the vineyard's unique position adjacent to DANA Estate and tucked into the mountainside adds subtle herbal notes and mountain-driven freshness. French oak integration is masterful, contributing vanilla, cedar, and sweet baking spices that enhance rather than mask the site's distinctive character. The cooler climate influence maintains remarkable freshness and vibrancy, creating the subliminal elegance that sets this terraced vineyard apart.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel perfectly embodies the harmony between Rutherford's renowned power and the refined elegance of this hidden canyon location. Dense, well-integrated tannins provide substantial structure with a velvety quality that coats the palate, reflecting both the classic Rutherford character and the cooling influence of the Mayacamas foothills. Extended French oak aging has contributed remarkable texture and roundness while preserving the vineyard's natural mountain freshness. The wine feels full-bodied and concentrated, with a rich, mouth-filling presence that demonstrates both immediate appeal and the structural foundation for long-term aging potential.

Body: Medium to full-bodied with excellent concentration and remarkable balance, this Riverside Cabernet Franc displays the structural integrity that comes from the Oak Knoll District's cooling influence and extended growing season. The wine is built on a foundation of refined tannins and vibrant acidity preserved by the east-facing blocks' morning sun exposure and consistent diurnal shifts. The unique 24-month aging program - concrete followed by French oak - has created exceptional complexity while maintaining the varietal's characteristic finesse and elegance. The preserved acidity and mineral backbone ensure both immediate enjoyment and aging potential, creating a wine that honors both the site's distinctive terroir and Cabernet Franc's noble character.