Wines are listed by points scored, then alphabetically by producer. The appellations given are those marked on the label; many producers choose to use the generic Napa Valley AVA even though their wines could be classified under one of the 16 sub-AVAs. Stockists and prices are shown where available – some UK allocations may not have been set, some wines will not be exported, and some may have already sold out. For latest availability updates, contact specialist merchants.
1 Harlan Estate, Oakville 99
POA Thorman Hunt
Compact, tightly knit, with a coiled-up energy that delivers surprise and intrigue in every swirl and sip as the wine evolves in the glass: such a pretty wine. Beautifully delicate wild herbs, crushed bay laurel and sage, red fruit and blackcurrant, and a pop of liquorice intermixed with cigar leaf. Medium- to full-bodied with a richness to the mid-palate and intense grip from its multidimensional acidity. Almost feathery tannins frame all this, and the wine finishes long, cool and so composed. There is a remarkable freshness and tension in this, much like turning the page of a great Fitzgerald novel only to find the story continues to build, surprise, delight and captivate. Drink 2023-2040 Alcohol 14%
Screaming Eagle 99
£3,000 (ib) Lay & Wheeler
US$4,000-$5,500 Widely available
Balanced, polished, seamless and elegant. Tasted on a cool, rainy day, this possessed the freshness of the air outside, coupled with the warmth of the vintage, offering expressive blue and violet wildflowers, boysenberry fruit, graphite, cedar wood and spearmint and beautiful loamy earth notes. The purity of red crunchy cherry and plum fruit is augmented by undercurrents of blue- and black-toned notes. And all framed by a tapestry of long, silky, layered tannins, the finish punctuated by rose petal notes. Unquestionably in the running for 100-point score upgrade, it’s a dynamic, expressive showing from this challenging vintage. Drink 2024-2035 Alc 14.8%
2 Spottswoode, St Helena 99
$255 Benchmark Wine Group, Spottswoode
Fragrant blackberry and black cherry, cassis and rich tobacco spices with lovely fresh earth notes and a sweet kiss of new cedar wood. Incredibly concentrated dark berry fruit, fabulously angular tannins, smooth with crisp edges. Purple florals, dried sagebrush and chocolate shavings with lots of graphite and deep iron-like mineral character. And a finish of dark saturated fruit that goes and goes; purple floral notes, too, polished and bright with vivacious acidity and freshness evident from the first sip to the finish. Potential 100-point wine. Drink 2023-2035 Alc 13.7%
3 Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard 98
POA Alliance Wine
$300 Paul Hobbs Winery
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the famous gravelly loam soils of Beckstoffer Dr Crane: a
