The 2023 vintage yielded a Cabernet Sauvignon of striking sophistication and depth. Its dark ruby color hints at the richness within, unveiling seductive aromas of black currant, licorice, violet, tobacco leaf, and a savory touch of tapenade. On the palate, a plush, velvety texture is elevated by seamlessly integrated oak and fine, dusty tannins that frame the bold flavors of dark berries and crème de cassis. Subtle notes of sweet oak and spice add warmth and complexity, while vibrant natural acidity carries the wine to a long, fresh finish. Elegant yet powerful—this is a vintage and blend that captures both finesse and intensity in perfect balance.
Our Cabernet harvest resulted in several individual fermentations in a mix of open-top and closed-top tanks. In the closed-top tanks, the must was pumped-over, which added to palate texture; while the open-top tanks had a punch-down regimen, which retained fruit intensity. The wine was racked to some of our finest French oak barrels. The wine was aged 18 months before our winemaker selected the 26 barrels that made the most harmonious and intriguing blend for this offering.
96 POINTS-DECANTER MAGAZINE
Stuhlmuller Vineyards is located at the southern edge of the Alexander Valley, where it converges with two other highly regarded Sonoma County appellations, Chalk Hill and the Russian River Valley. On its eastern edge, the 150-acre vineyard borders the Russian River. Situated in a location that is part river benchlands and part hillside, the vineyard benefits from its alluvial gravel soils and the rockier soils of the hillside sections.
