2023 Coho ‘Headwaters’ Red Blend

A trace reserved at opening, yet deep, complex and structured, this gutsy bottling delivers aromas of dark plum, black raspberry, black currant, vanilla, graphite and toasted nuts poised above mineral notes and a rich undercurrent of bottled Italian sour dark cherries. On the palate, it is bold, generous in body and more revealing in personality than initially expected, sporting lingering flavors that run parallel to the nose. Built for steaks and dark roasts and drinking even better the second day after opening, it is likely three years from its full expressing and will clearly reward cellaring. 350 cases produced.
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.

Coho Winery was the shared aspiration of Brooks Painter and Gary Lipp to produce flavorful, balanced wines.

Founded by 30-year wine-industry veteran Gary Lipp—an alum of Paul Hobbs, Chalone, Robert Mondavi, and Chappellet—Coho transmits Napa Valley terroir in wines renowned for their power and balance. Starting in 2014, Phil Corallo-Titus of Chappellet sat at Coho’s winemaking helm, stewarding blends like Headwaters to robust, fruit-laden fame.

As Gary Lipp retired in 2022, winemaker Keith Emerson, the Philippe Melka–trained ace who has garnered critical acclaim with Vineyard 29 and has revived the brand and wine that customers love! (ALSO: Bijou Wines!)

For the 2023, Emerson sourced gorgeous Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc from prime sites in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oak Knoll, and Moon Mountain. He crushed 100% optically sorted whole berries, vinifying the blend after a three-day cold soak, then giving the wine 18-month rest in 40% new, tight-grained French oak.