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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage.
The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging."
Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades.
We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. |
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The appellation blend from this notable estate, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley checks in as 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-hued, it offers beautifully pure aromatics of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed stone and violets. I love its overall purity, it's medium to full-bodied, has a layered, fresh, focused mouthfeel, and enough tannins to keep it drinking nicely for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2025-2038.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2025)
Blackberries, cassis, cedar and tobacco on the nose. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of dark plums, black currants and spices. Textural and fresh. Drink or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (Sep 2025)
Turnbull's blended 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it offers gently leafy notes, plus cedar, cherries and vanilla. Full-bodied, it's firm and reasonably tannic, with ample structure and a long finish.
91+ points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Oct 2025)
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is positively stellar. Plump, juicy and inviting, the Napa Valley Cabernet is a total delight. Succulent red cherry, plum, cinnamon, new leather and mocha are front and center. Best of all, Turnbull's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a stellar value and a crowd-pleaser, too.
91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2025)
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