2023 Napa Valley Vintage: A Year of Abundance, But was it the “Vintage of the Century?”
Every vintage tells a story shaped by the elements, the land, and the hands that craft it. In Napa Valley, 2023 was a good year—steady, generous, and free from extreme weather events. Unlike some of the scorching heatwaves of recent years, the growing season was even-paced, giving winemakers ample time to harvest at their leisure. And with little to no major challenges, it’s no surprise that just about everyone made high-quality and abundant wines in 2023.
While some have declared it the “Vintage of the Century,” I have to disagree.
A Vintage Where Everyone Wins
Let’s be clear—2023 was a very good vintage in Napa Valley. The fruit was abundant, the wines showed a firm tannic grip, and there was a juicy, approachable core to many of the wines produced. From seasoned veterans to novice winemakers, just about everyone produced solid wines. And that’s where my hesitation lies.
They say that the hardest thing to do in professional sports is to hit a fastball in baseball—a test of true skill. But if every batter is crushing home runs off the same pitcher, maybe the pitcher is just throwing meatballs right down the middle. In 2023, making great wine in Napa was easy. It’s like slow-pitch baseball, where everyone’s knocking it out of the park.
And while that makes for a reliable, widely appealing vintage, I get more excited when a season tests a winemaker’s skill—when you have to wrestle the best expression out of the vineyard, make tough decisions, and coax greatness from adversity.
No Pressure, No Diamonds
The most compelling wines are often born from challenge, tension, and the need to make bold, precise choices in the vineyard. Pressure creates diamonds, and 2023 lacked that kind of intensity. Instead, it was a low-pressure vintage where great fruit was plentiful, and some wineries even ran out of space to process all available fruit, leaving grapes to hang on the vine late into the season.
That doesn’t mean 2023 wines won’t be enjoyable—quite the opposite. Many of them will drink well early, with generous fruit and a solid backbone of tannin. But for those who seek the thrill of vintage variation, the electric energy of wines shaped by struggle, 2023 may feel a little too… easy.
Parting Thoughts on 2023
The 2023 Napa Valley vintage is very good. The wines are well-structured, broadly appealing, and showcase the region’s ability to deliver consistency. But let’s not rush to call it the greatest vintage of our time. The true test of winemaking skill comes when the vintage pushes back—when you have to fight for greatness, not just pick it off the vine.
So enjoy 2023 for what it is: a vintage where everyone won. But don’t forget—the most beautiful wines, like diamonds, are made under pressure.
Premiere Napa Valley 2025 Auction
Premiere Napa Valley is North America’s premier wine trade auction, showcasing one-of-a-kind, limited-production wines crafted exclusively for the event by top Napa Valley vintners. Hosted annually by the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) trade association, the auction allows licensed trade members—such as importers, retailers, and restaurateurs—to bid on these exclusive lots, which are unavailable anywhere else. Proceeds support NVV’s mission to promote, protect, and enhance Napa Valley’s wine industry. Beyond the auction, Premiere Napa Valley fosters industry relationships, educates trade professionals, and highlights Napa Valley’s commitment to excellence in winemaking. This year, 194 unique lots will be auctioned, including wines from the highly acclaimed 2023 vintage, with esteemed winemakers collaborating on select partnership lots to reflect the region’s spirit of innovation and camaraderie.
More than just an auction, Premiere Napa Valley is the most significant business week in the region’s wine industry, drawing over 1,000 professionals to Napa Valley for tastings, educational seminars, and networking events. The grand barrel tasting allows trade members to sample and evaluate the exclusive auction wines before bidding. The event attracts a global audience, with participants from across Europe, Asia, and North America engaging both in-person and virtually. This year’s auction is co-chaired by Whitehall Lane’s Katie and Tom Leonardini, along with winemaker Jason Moulton, underscoring the strong sense of community among Napa Valley vintners. Funds raised not only support local initiatives but also national campaigns promoting wine culture. At its core, Premiere Napa Valley exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and the shared pursuit of winemaking excellence that defines the region.
Having just spent the last three days running around Napa Valley, tasting as many PNV2025 Auction Lot wines as possible, it was clear to me that, yes, many wines were stunningly gorgeous. Of the 190+ auction lots, I tried almost 70% of the wines up for auction. While many wines were poured as barrel samples, it was clear that although the wines had good bones and I could see their trajectory, it would be unfair to assess the wine as a finished wine, so I have trimmed down my list and evaluations to about half of the lots up for auction, which are as follows. Please note: the list is not complete, as I was not able to taste through all of the wines in a short period of time. However, of the wines I did sample, the top scores go to Morlet Family Vineyards, Coronet, Arkenstone Vineyards, Mt. Brave and Quintessa, and a dozen distinguished nods go to the group effort of Lot 12’s “Gravity Flow,” Chimney Rock Winery, Turnbull Cellars, Blankiet Estate, Chappellet Vineyard, La Jota, Nickel & Nickel, Pine Ridge, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Lail Vineyards, Sequoia Grove and Alta Nova Cellars.
Stay tuned for a follow-up report on how the auction went with highlights from Premiere Napa Valley 2025!
Auction Lot Reviews and Scores
PNV2025 Auction Lot #1
Made by Whitehall Lane, this predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blend, with splashes of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Carménère, and Cabernet Franc, delivers a refined yet expressive profile. Medium-bodied with an elegant structure, the wine unfolds with layers of spice and well-rounded balance. The mid-palate offers depth and vibrancy, leading to a lingering, food-friendly finish. Sourced from estate vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena, it was aged for 20 months in French oak, enhancing its complexity and integration. 92+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #2
Made by Vineyard 7 & 8, this Chardonnay is sourced from Napa Valley’s oldest, highest-elevation, original-rooted vines. Barrel-fermented and aged for 16 months sur lie in 30% new French oak, it delivers a bold and expressive profile. Lush and richly textured, the wine retains youthful vibrancy, driven by ripe pineapple flavors and succulent acidity. A long, spicy finish enhances its depth, showcasing a balance of power and finesse. This is a striking, full-bodied Chardonnay with energy and complexity. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #3
Made by Duckhorn Vineyards, this wine showcases classic dusty red fruit with a firm tannic grip. Fresh and mineral-driven, it delivers a delightful structure that will evolve beautifully with time. Patience will be rewarded as the wine softens, making it an excellent food companion. Sourced from the esteemed Three Palms Vineyard. 92+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #4
Made by The Vice, this generous and ripe wine offers an oaky profile supported by firm mineral tension. Full-bodied and richly textured, it was aged for 28 months in new French oak, including 8 months in patented Lava and uncut Jade toasted barrels, adding a surprising depth. The long, elegant finish carries spice and structure, promising great evolution in the bottle. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #5
Made by Corison Winery, this balanced, acid-driven red is fresh and fruit-forward, showcasing layers of red fruit and spice. Elegant and precise, it embodies the graceful style expected from Corison, with a middle-weighted expression that doesn’t rely on power to impress. Instead, it offers purity, focus, and a pleasure-driven profile. Crafted from Kronos and Sunbasket estate vineyards. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #8
Made by Schramsberg Vineyards, this 1999 late-disgorged sparkling wine is light golden in color, still fresh yet revealing a quarter-century of lees aging. The nose carries a subtle, toasty cheese quality reminiscent of a frico chip, while subtle notes of flamed lemon peel and soft creamy notes add complexity. The wine’s autolytic character shines with nuances of sautéed almonds, and the lively, fresh mouthfeel is balanced by succulent acidity, leading to a brilliant finish. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #9
Made by Davies, Diamond Creek, Diamond Mountain, Dyer, Lokoya, and Wallis, this full-bodied mountain wine is dark and dusty, with a firm mineral grip that expresses its high-elevation origins. Tightly wound and moody in its youth, the wine possesses strong structure and depth. The firm yet coating mouthfeel expands into a spicy, lingering finish, making it a superb candidate for food pairing and extended aging. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #11
Made by La Sirena, Materra, and Cunat Family Vineyards, this wine is still tight and red-berried, showcasing firm, gripping, food-friendly tannins. Medium to full-bodied, it reveals a fleshy red fruit core while maintaining elegance, grace, and power. Time will allow it to express its layered complexity fully. A collaboration between winemakers Heidi Barrett and Chelsea Barrett, a mother-daughter team. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #12
Made by Emerson Brown, Knighton Family Vineyards, Labry Wines, Vineyard 29, and Vineyard 36, this wine instantly impresses with overflowing fruit and oak, complemented by dusty florals and spice. Full-bodied and beautifully balanced, the flavor profile trends upward, showcasing precise winemaking. The finish is long and spicy, leaving a lasting impression that begs for another sip. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #14
Made by Hertelendy Vineyards, this wine exemplifies the Hertelendy style—rich, opulent, and complex. Ripely fruited with layers of oak spice, it remains beautifully balanced by succulent acidity. Power and elegance intertwine seamlessly, leading to a long, food-friendly finish. Aged for 23 months in French and Hungarian oak. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #15
Made by PEJU, this 100% Cabernet Franc from the Certified Organic Rutherford estate vineyard, Aries Block, showcases a fresh and complex profile with a fleshy attitude. Toasty oak and baking spices elevate the wine’s structure, allowing it to age gracefully for over a decade. The wine’s nickname, “The GOAT,” is well-earned, demonstrating the depth Napa’s Cabernet Franc and Merlot can achieve. It finishes with an elongated persistence that won’t quit. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #16
Made by Alpha Omega, this bold and generous 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tench Vineyard Block 6 is big, juicy, and round, filled with layers of dark fruit and well-integrated oak. A crowd-pleaser for lovers of Napa Cabs, it carries a firm structure with a tight finish that will soften with time. Aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak, this wine needs patience to reach its full potential. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #17
Made by Coronet, this wine is pure, fresh, and complex, with a beautifully layered nose that unfolds to reveal depth and intrigue. The palate follows with a firm tannic grip and growing mineral tension, proving that Napa Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t have to be all about power and volume but can also deliver precision and focus. Devastatingly gorgeous, the Coronet leaves a lasting impression of elegance and finesse on the palate and is a new luxury wine brand produced by the Arrow&Branch winery team. 98+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #22
Made by Chimney Rock Winery, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Green Vineyard’s Tomahawk Vineyard is a testament to balance and elegance over sheer power. The nose bursts with red plum, dark cherry, and purple flowers accented by graphite and oak. The palate, though more restrained than the nose suggests, delivers finesse and grace, proving that bigger isn’t always better. This wine glides across the palate with an undeniable sophistication, showcasing the beauty of Napa Cabernet in a more refined frame. 96+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #24
Made by Crocker & Starr Wines, this Cabernet Franc-dominant blend is a brilliant example of Napa Valley’s ability to showcase silky smooth freshness while maintaining layers of depth. Expressive and pure, it offers vibrant red fruit intertwined with elegant oak tones, delivering a beautifully balanced profile. Already drinking beautifully, but those with patience will be richly rewarded. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #26
Made by Brandlin Estate, this wine presents a dark and expressive nose of black fruit, mocha, and dark cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, it retains a fresh and complex structure, with firm tannins that ensure a long-lived, food-friendly profile. Sourced from one of Mount Veeder’s oldest continuously producing vineyards, first planted in 1926. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #28
Made by Grounded Wine Co., this deep, red-fruited wine features hints of black fruit, dusty earth, and firm, gripping tannins. Initially reserved, the mid-palate unfolds with time, revealing layers of depth before ending with a structured finish. Aged 24 months in 80% new French oak, this father-son winemaking collaboration by Josh and Chris Phelps highlights precision and craft. 91
PNV2025 Auction Lot #29
Made by Marciano Estate, this classic Napa red showcases fresh red fruit, dark plum, and blackberries, layered with spicy floral notes and well-integrated oak. A fresh, mid-palate expression leads to a complex, lingering finish. 15% barrel-fermented in new oak, with the remainder in stainless steel, striking a balance between texture and vibrancy. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #30
Made by Nemerever, this elegant, red-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon has a softer frame with lifted oak notes enhancing the expression. Tightly structured tannins will soften with time, making this a beautifully food-friendly wine now, with aging potential for further complexity. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. 91
PNV2025 Auction Lot #34
Made by S. R. Tonella Cellars, this wine is round and fruit-driven, with plenty of freshness and well-integrated oak. Medium to full-bodied, it retains a fleshy yet structured profile, finishing with persistence and refinement. A little extra bottle age will elevate its balance even further. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #35
Made by Schweiger Vineyards, this big and generous red balances richness with a velvety mouthfeel. Layers of dark red and black fruit unfold with complexity, leading to a long, evolving finish with spice and depth. Aged 32 months in French oak, approximately 55% new, this wine has a long future ahead. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #36
Made by Signorello Estate, this full-bodied and dense Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with dark chocolate, mineral tension, and firm, gripping tannins. Lush yet structured, it will require patience to fully express its generous nature, making it a standout for lovers of bold Napa Cabs. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #37
Made by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, this wine commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris and comes from the oldest vineyard blocks planted in 1972. Still youthful and tight, it displays layers of red fruit, dusty tannins, and evolving complexity. It needs at least 4-5 years before drinking and will age gracefully for 1.5-2+ decades. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #40
Made by Miner Family Winery, this 100% Cabernet Franc is bold, rich, and instantly pleasing. Juicy red and dark fruit layers are supported by firm, structured tannins that melt into notes of bitter dark chocolate and plum. Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, it delivers depth and complexity. 93+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #42
Made by Rutherford Ranch Winery, this red-fruited and complex wine strikes a balance between freshness and structure. Herbal notes provide lift without overpowering, leading to a clean and spicy finish. Barrel-fermented and aged 24 months in 100% new French oak puncheons. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #44
Made by Tamber Bey, this bold and fresh wine presents complex dark red and black fruit flavors, complemented by attractive oak and a delightful herbal lift. The herbal expression from Dr. Crane Vineyard is particularly striking, adding a unique dimension. The wine is sincere, fleshy, and inviting, firming up on the finish and ending with a gripping, long finish that pairs beautifully with food. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #45
Made by Salvestrin, The Crane Assembly, this wine showcases firm red and black fruit flavors, which give way to soft florals and a soft herbal expression, a hallmark of Dr. Crane Vineyard. Beautifully balanced, it offers a pure core of red plums and sage, with elegant oak tones that overflow into the finish. Single-site Cabernet from the original Dr. Crane Vineyard, planted in 1859. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #52
Made by Morisoli Vineyard & Whitehall Lane, this fresh, tight, and juicy, red-fruited wine is ready for action. The medium to full-bodied expression presents a dusty core of fruit, building to a great finish. A collaboration between Whitehall Lane and Morisoli Vineyard. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #54
Made by Long Meadow Ranch Winery, this 100% Cabernet Franc features focused red fruit tones with complex herbal nuances. The wine presents a balanced and pure expression, demonstrating Cabernet Franc’s softer side, contrasting with the more generous Napa styles. Aged 18 months in 50% new and 50% neutral French oak, it’s smooth and approachable with great elegance. 92+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #55
Made by JennaMarise Wines & Robert Foley Vineyards, this red-fruited wine is layered with spice and fruit, built on a dusty core. Medium to full-bodied with a growing tannic structure, the wine is well-made and balanced, delivering an elegant finish that will be even better when paired with food. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #58
Made by VGS Chateau Potelle, this wine features fresh, ripe red fruit tones with spices and a dusty mineral essence. Dark chocolate and ripe black cherry notes define this elegant wine, which is sure to please a crowd. Aged 26 months in 100% new French oak, it offers great depth and complexity. 92+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #61
Made by Larkmead Vineyards, this wine is wildly aromatic, overflowing with red florals and crunchy red fruit, accented by oak spices and a distinctive dustiness. Medium to full-bodied, it compresses on the palate, revealing tight tannins that grip through the finish, which ends on graphite notes. This wine is built to age gracefully over the coming decades. Aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #64
Made by Turnbull Wine Cellars, this big, juicy, and generous wine is fresh fruit-driven, with plenty of oak to absorb over time. Full-bodied, bold, and robust, it carries a generous core of ripe fruit and oak, finishing with a long, lingering conclusion. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #68
Made by Blankiet Estate, this Merlot from the east-facing estate vineyard behind Chandon is instantly approachable, with a fresh and velvety mouthfeel that bursts with plummy essences. The oak spices integrate beautifully, enhancing the ripe fruit and creating a wine that exudes precision and finesse. This Merlot governs with grace and sincerity, expressing its sense of place with purity. A damn good Merlot that embraces its identity at the highest level. Grown on red clay over a fractured basalt rock base in a canyon draining the Mayacamas. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #76
Made by Faust, this big and juicy wine is still reductive on the nose but will settle before bottling and release. Layered with black fruit, the wine transitions into oak spices and mocha, ending with a spicy finish. Barrel-aged for 24 months in French oak, 60% new, ensuring structure and depth. 92
PNV2025 Auction Lot #77
Made by Chappellet Vineyard, this dark red and black-fruited wine is instantly impressive, overflowing with finesse, power, elegance, and grace. Full-bodied and richly textured, it achieves the balance between oak tones and spices while gripping tannins coat the palate and persist through the finish. Aged 22 months in a new Alain Fouquet barrel, it is a structured wine that will reward patience. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #81
Made by Brown Estate Vineyards, this 80-20 Cabernet Sauvignon/Zinfandel blend presents a red-fruited expression with a magenta hue. The nose is dusty and leathery, evolving into notes of blackberry, black plum, tree bark, and spiced tea. A long, spicy finish enhances the wine’s complexity. 90
PNV2025 Auction Lot #83
Made by Rutherford Hill Winery, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Heavens Peak Vineyard and Carneros is silky smooth and beautifully textured. The velvety mouthfeel carries a rich and rounded expression that overflows with pleasure. The wine glides gracefully into a long, silky finish, making it a standout for elegance and drinkability. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #85
Made by Mt. Brave, this Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder is instantly impressive, offering layers of fruit, oak, earth, and tannin. Elegance and grace define its profile, with full-bodied richness and firm, gripping tannins that will age gracefully yet remain food-friendly for decades. The impressive finish is structured yet refined, ensuring longevity. 97
PNV2025 Auction Lot #86
Made by La Jota Vineyard Co., this Cabernet Sauvignon is tighter and more coiled than its Mt. Veeder counterpart, waiting to explode with time. It possesses everything needed to go the distance but requires patience to fully express itself. Over the next 4-7 years, it will gain complexity and refinement. The full-bodied, mineral-rich mouthfeel is gripping, finishing with dark plum essence, graphite, and oak spices over a long, lingering conclusion. 96+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #88
Made by Grgich Hills Estates & Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, this Cabernet Sauvignon collaboration is a seamless blend of two powerhouse vineyards, contributing juiciness, freshness, and precision. At 14.1% ABV, it showcases black plums and dark cherry, complemented by succulent acidity and firm tannins. Deliciously complex, it lingers beautifully, drawing you back for more. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #89
Made by Hyde Vineyard Estate, this generous Pinot Noir overflows with fresh complexity. The nose reveals a firm tannic backbone, making it a prime pairing for roasted duck. The palate is filled with spicy cherry flavors, which coat the mouth, while a slightly hot finish hints at its powerful nature. 92
PNV2025 Auction Lot #91
Made by St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Rutherford fruit, offering a balanced freshness with layers of dusty red fruit. A fine mineral tension intertwines with spice and oak essences, creating a structured yet crowd-pleasing profile. The slightly grippy mouthfeel makes it an excellent food-friendly wine for years to come. 93+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #92
Made by Gallica, Snowden Vineyards & Trois Noix, this Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend captures classic beauty. Fresh and pure, it presents a youthful tannic grip, with Cabernet Franc’s signature cherry skin expression and delicate pink and red florals. Subtle herbal notes complement the mid-weight structure, driven by succulent acidity. A food-friendly and simply gorgeous wine. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #93
Made by Simon Family Estate, this fresh and complex red blend is layered and full-bodied, yet still youthful and tightly wound. Over time, it will unfold beautifully, revealing its depth. Medium to full-bodied, it carries great bones, ensuring longevity, and ends with a long, elegant finish. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #96
Made by Nickel & Nickel, this big, fresh, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with dark berries and gorgeous oak extraction. The wine is powerfully structured yet fresh, balancing elegance and precision. Fruit-driven with a gripping finish and succulent acidity, it lingers long, delivering brilliant balance. 96+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #97
Made by Quintessa, this biodynamically and organically farmed wine from the Corona Vineyard is a pure expression of grace, power, precision, and focus. Every aspect of this wine reflects world-class winemaking. Fine-grained tannins lead into a long, lingering finish, making it devastatingly beautiful. 97
PNV2025 Auction Lot #98
Made by Trefethen Family Vineyards, this Cabernet Franc stays true to its DNA, delivering a red-fruited core and lifted herbal essence with a strong sense of place. Layers of sage, thyme, menthol, and red cherry skin unfold over a medium to full-bodied frame. The finish lingers with wild underbrush and spiced cherry skin, making it incredibly food-friendly. 92
PNV2025 Auction Lot #99
Made by Foley Johnson, this solidly structured, juicy red boasts a fresh range of dark red fruits and a spicy core. A kiss of herbal notes seamlessly blends into the full-bodied expression, which offers generosity and depth. This wine will shine with an extra chill and decanting. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #101
Made by Pine Ridge Vineyards, this fleshy yet refined red presents red and dark black fruit layers, unfolding into a smooth yet focused core. Generous in expression but never heavy-handed, this wine is full of grace and power, leaving a lasting impression. Aged 20 months in 80% new French oak barrels. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #102
Made by HALL, this dark and brooding Cabernet Sauvignon remains primary and fresh, with bold elephant oak and toasty spice melding seamlessly into rich black fruit notes. The palate is robust and structured, featuring mocha and roasted coffee bean flavors before finishing with tight tannins that will soften beautifully with time. Patience will be rewarded. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #103
Made by ZD Wines, this is a crazy multi-vintage blend made in a solera style, aged in American oak. Fresh and attractive, the wine features layers of fruit, oak, vanilla, roasted coconut, plum jus, and brown baking spices. A long and complex finish makes this a truly unique expression. Contains 32 vintages of ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in one bottle, spanning 1992 to 2023. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #107
Made by Beaulieu Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to André Tchelistcheff and is aged in American oak. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a fresh yet complex profile, highlighted by vanilla and baking spices. With a long, dark red-fruited finish, this wine offers immediate enjoyment with aging potential. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #109
Made by Revelette Wines, this youthful and fresh red offers a primary red fruit aroma supported by hints of roasted coffee beans. The tight mouthfeel and gripping finish suggest that this wine will benefit from additional aging before opening. 91
PNV2025 Auction Lot #110
Made by Morlet Family Vineyards, this 100% Cabernet Franc from the ‘Cœur de Vallée’ vineyard is a showcase of power, prestige, and elegance. Overflowing with dark red and black fruit, coffee beans, and red and purple florals, this wine is layered with attractive and elegant oak. Full-bodied, rich, and round, it simply doesn’t stop—an absolutely captivating wine. 98+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #115
Made by Chandon, this customizable sparkling wine allows the winning bidder to tailor its sweetness level. Aged 17 years sur lie, it presents a fresh, zesty, and citrus-driven nose, leading to a soft and creamy mouthfeel with lively acidity. The finish is zesty, citrus-driven, softly phenolic, and beautifully food-friendly, making it a fascinating lot to watch at auction. 92
PNV2025 Auction Lot #120
Made by JaM Cellars, this rich and round red defies expectations, offering a juicy core of fruit balanced by succulent acidity and freshness. Full-bodied and complex, it remains compact and juicy, delivering a long and structured finish. Firm, gripping tannins enhance its food-friendly appeal, making it a bold yet refined expression. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #121
Made by Frank Family and it has all of the house style that offers gobs of dark red and black fruit tones. It boasts a juicy fruit core with toasty oak essences. Brilliant and fruit-forward, the wine unfolds with a generous fruit concentration, coating the palate before transitioning into vanilla and oak spice layers. Aged nearly 48 months in new French oak, this wine is bold, textured, and expressive. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #123
Made by Alta Nova Cellars, this fresh and complex red showcases good structure, depth, and refinement. Only the third vintage from this vineyard, the wine still needs time to unwind fully, but its layers and freshness promise an exceptional evolution. The wine smells like a juicy barrel sample, perfectly in sync, not overdone, but beautifully expressive. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #128
Made by Honig Vineyard & Winery, this round and rich red takes its time to express itself fully. The nose is slow to release, but with aeration, it opens up beautifully, transitioning from red to dark red fruit with dusty expressions. Over time, the wine uncoils, revealing additional layers of complexity and freshness. The finish is long and spicy, making this a compelling and structured wine. Aged in 100% new French oak barrels. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #130
Made by Farella Vineyard, this dusty, red-fruited wine presents hints of herbs and incredible floral aromatics. Fresh, mineral-driven, and layered, it delivers a medium to full-bodied profile with a tight, gripping finish. The food-friendly tannins, along with rocky and red fruit essences, create a structured and engaging wine. 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #131
Made by William Harrison Vineyards & Winery, this dusty and fresh red is medium to full-bodied, structured with a firm tannic grip that enhances its ripe red fruit expression. The wine shines with food pairings, and patience will be rewarded with further integration. The spiced finish lingers, making this a wine worth decanting. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #132
Made by Dakota Shy, this Cabernet Franc is rich, mouth-coating, and undeniably complex. Firm in structure with a tannic grip, it showcases dark red and black fruit tones, complemented by hints of red tea and a subtle herbal backbone that lifts the expression. The wine concludes with a long, spicy finish, revealing its depth and power. Aged 22 months in 70% new French oak. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #133
Made by Silverado Vineyards, this fresh yet still tight wine possesses good bones and aging potential. With time, it will evolve beautifully while delivering pleasure for years to come. Sourced from Coombsville, it finishes with a lingering, spicy complexity. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #134
Made by OVID. Napa Valley, this brilliantly focused red exhibits juicy red fruit tones layered with oak and spice. The full-bodied mouthfeel glides effortlessly, expressing elegance and precision. As the long, complex finish slowly unwinds, additional layers of completeness emerge, making this a truly pleasurable wine. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #137
Made by Cliff Lede Vineyards, this wine is crafted from the best barrel of the best block, aged in a barrel made from a 350-year-old tree. Impressive and fresh yet still tight, the wine possesses elegant, silky tannins that glide over refined mineral tension. A dusty red fruit core continues to elevate and unfold over the long, elegant finish. Pure class—Yum! 96+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #138
Made by Maroon Wines, this barrel sample is still primary and fruit-driven, set to rest in French oak for 27 months. The fresh and vibrant nose is bursting with cherry aromas, while the medium-bodied palate reveals juicy, mineral-driven layers with soft rocky notes. It finishes fresh and succulent, promising to fill its shoes beautifully with time. 91
PNV2025 Auction Lot #145
Made by Pope Valley Winery, this fresh fruit-driven red offers plenty of layers, complexity, and brightness. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a spicy palate, wrapped in a round, food-friendly finish. This wine evokes dreams of a bone-in ribeye, making it a perfectly structured pairing wine. Aged 18 months in French oak. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #146
Made by Shafer Vineyards, this silky-smooth Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with dark red ripe fruit essence. The nose is soft and inviting, leading into a palate where tight tannins and lively mineral tension provide structure. Classic and expressive, this wine will remain food-friendly for years to come. Sourced from the Sunspot block, the heart of Shafer’s iconic Hillside Select. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #155
Made by Arkenstone Vineyards, this rich, round, and complex red is a brilliant expression of its varietal and site. Dark red fruit flavors flood the palate, beautifully complemented by elegant oak tones and spice. The wine is incredibly smooth yet structured, making it utterly captivating and impossible to resist. 98
PNV2025 Auction Lot #157
Made by Amici Cellars, this blend of 50% Beckstoffer To Kalon and 50% Missouri Hopper presents a firm, gripping mouthfeel. Bold yet balanced, the oak integration rounds out its expansive profile. Full-bodied with a tannic structure built for aging, this beauty will gracefully evolve for more than a decade—likely over two. 95
PNV2025 Auction Lot #158
A collaboration between Continuum Estate and Staglin Family Vineyard, this half Cabernet Sauvignon, half Cabernet Franc blend offers a unique expression of Napa Valley. Dusty dark red fruit, freshness, and precision define the medium-to-full-bodied structure, while layered complexity leads into a long, refined finish. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #159
Made by Ampleur Cellars, this fresh, juicy, and complex wine boasts bold dark red fruit flavors. Plummy essences, black cherry, and crème de cassis meld with elegant oak tones, creating a medium-to-full-bodied wine that is generous and fresh without being heavy. It finishes with succulence, elegance, and grace. Yum! 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #160
Made by Sullivan Rutherford Estate, this dusty red-fruited wine carries fine mineral tension, keeping it fresh, focused, and balanced. Medium-to-full-bodied, the mid-palate reveals a firm tannic grip that will remain food-friendly for years. This wine will benefit from at least 5 years in the bottle before opening. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #161
Made by Lail Vineyards, this elegant and fresh wine embodies class and prestige. Still youthful with firmly gripping tannins, it is structured for aging and built for longevity. The finish is polished and finessed, ensuring this wine will remain food-friendly for decades. Utterly delicious. 96
PNV2025 Auction Lot #164
Made by Covert Estate, this tight and firmly structured wine presents a gripping tannic core wrapped in fruit, oak, and graphite. The palate clamps down, needing either time or food—likely both—to fully express its depth. It finishes with a mineral-driven complexity. Give it at least 5 years before opening; decanting is highly recommended. 92+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #165
Crafted by Women Winemakers, this fresh, bright, and crisp wine is perfectly balanced with a middle-weighted expression and refined mineral tension. The wine is food-friendly, instantly pleasurable, and beautifully focused. A collaborative effort from more than half a dozen wineries, it’s a style that Napa needs more of. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #167
Made by Ehlers Estate, this Right Bank-style blend (60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc) is big, juicy, and plummy with graphite notes, oak, and spice. The producer’s signature style is evident in the lush expression and seamless balance. Tannins grip the gum line, ensuring longevity, and this wine will remain food-friendly for years to come. Just give it time. Co-fermented and aged 20 months in new French oak. 94
PNV2025 Auction Lot #168
Made by Seven Apart, this firm, structured wine has a core of dusty dark red and black fruit with a mineral-driven expression. Rocky at its core, youthful and still tightly wound, it already shows refinement, precision, and focus. This gorgeous wine will need a few more years in the bottle to fully reveal its true colors. Aged 24 months in 60% new French oak. 94+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #171
Made by Inglenook, this classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot) exudes class, precision, and elegance. Sourced from the iconic Rubicon Vineyard, the wine is fresh, pure, and beautifully balanced, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc to shine effortlessly. Refined minerality, graphite notes, and dusty red fruit lead to an energetic, long finish. Its power isn’t in boldness but in its precision and finesse. 95+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #175
Made by Sequoia Grove Winery, this dense yet juicy and fresh wine is plump and generous with fine mineral tension. The palate is tight and fresh, leading into a long, acid-driven finish. With impressive balance and depth, this wine will reward those patient enough to let it fully evolve. 96+
PNV2025 Auction Lot #181
Made by 001 Vintners, this primary and slightly reductive barrel sample is still in its early stages but already shows promise with good bones and a tight frame. Time will round its edges, transforming it into a powerhouse wine—perfectly paired with red meats and fire-roasted chops. Just be patient! 93
PNV2025 Auction Lot #182
Made by Sylvie Estate, this pure and clean expression showcases vibrant and approachable red and black fruit tones. Balanced with black cherry skin, plum, and black tea nuances, the medium-to-full-bodied structure remains fresh and silky, with fine tannins that enhance its elegance. This wine beautifully captures the sense of place of valley floor fruit. 92
PNV2025 Auction Lot #192
Made by JAX Vineyards, this focused, juicy, and ripe wine is silky smooth, featuring ripe red and black fruit tones wrapped in oak-driven structure and firm, gripping tannins. Solid and compelling, this wine draws you back for more, making it a perfect pairing for fire-roasted red meats. 94
