By Madcap Cellars
2023 Jericho Canyon Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage Notes
2023 - the vintage of a lifetime. In 2023, Napa Valley experienced one of the longest growing seasons in a decade or more. With consistent, mild weather throughout the season, above-average crop yields, and extended hang time, 2023 is an exceptional, high-quality, memorable vintage. Winter and spring rains led to full reservoirs and healthy, saturated soils. Ideal conditions as grape growers headed into bud break. The mild, warm summer weather (72 to 75 degrees F) supported healthy canopy growth through bloom and set. Though vineyards faced mildew pressure, clusters remained loose, allowing for good airflow. Relatively cool weather throughout the growing season, in tandem with an abundance of sunshine, allowed grape skins to ripen slowly and develop maximal dark red color components for red wines.

Harvest Notes
Harvest kicked off around Labor Day weekend (September 2nd to 4th, 2023) for white wine grapes, while Cabernet Sauvignon harvest started at the end of September/early October. All picks wrapped up by mid-November. Vintners relished the long harvest season, which provided extended hang time to develop flavors. For red wines, full ripeness of grape skins and seeds provided the building blocks for a tannic backbone, which is the source of resilience for a long-lived wine. Winemakers describe the wines as having freshness, purity, and elegance overall.

Technical Details
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 12 months in 100% French oak (50% new)
Cooperage: Taransaud Ref 112, Sylvain, Darnajou, Atelier
Alcohol: 14.80%

Tasting Notes
Expressive and well-defined, this wine opens with aromas of blackberry, ripe plum, and black cherry, layered with notes of cocoa, cedar, and a touch of baking spice. On the palate, it shows structure and depth, with flavors of cassis, blueberry, and dark chocolate supported by polished, well-integrated tannins. A thread of freshness carries through the mid-palate, adding lift and energy while maintaining concentration. The finish is smooth and persistent, with lingering dark fruit and subtle spice, making it both immediately enjoyable and capable of cellaring.
[Information provided by Merchant 23]

Wine: Madcap Cellars, Jericho Canyon Vineyard, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2032
Review Date: 05/14/2026
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: A perfectly fine, classic, and easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon from the Jericho Canyon Vineyard, rife with blue-black and red-fruit nuance, rich toasty oak spice, scorched earth nuances with powerful chewy tannins that resolve through notes of dark chocolate and anise on the full-bodied finish.