2023 Castiel Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

DEC97 Talk about a polished beautifully concentrated and profoundly structured full-bodied Cabernet from the epic 2023 vintage in Napa crafted by Maayan Koschitzky the Screaming Eagle alum. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4, 7, 169 and See) spent up to 22 months ageing in French oak 60–70% of it new. The vines come from two sites: the 36-hectare Castiel Estate on Howell Mountain and Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville. Bold blackberry black cherry and plum fruits are framed by impeccably fine French oak which weaves an elegant framework around the ripe expansive fruit. Contributions from the cooler Sleeping Lady site layer in fine wild herbs and dusty crushed-stone minerality while the Howell Mountain grapes bring tannic power muscle and dark-fruit intensity. The wine is flashy and full yet so polished that there is an unexpected lightness and sleekness to it. You’re welcome to drink it now but it would be best to hold until around 2027 allowing the mountain tannins to soften and the underlying earthy character to emerge in spades. What a wine. Castiel is owned by Dave and Kathleen DiCesaris.