Vintage Notes
A long, cool growing season with no major heat spikes allowed the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, achieving full phenolic maturity without excessive sugar accumulation. Generous winter rains replenished soils and supported healthy vine growth, producing an above-average yield of balanced, vibrant fruit. This ideal combination of weather and vine health resulted in Cabernets with remarkable purity, complexity, and classic structure, offering excellent aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
The Reserve was crafted from three individual estate blocks, all hand-picked and hand-sorted. Malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels, and the wine was aged for 22 months—one-third in new oak and two-thirds in neutral. Final blending was completed two months prior to bottling to ensure harmony, balance, and a refined expression of the estate fruit.
Why You’ll Love This Wine
- Sourced from Octave Vineyard, Rutherford’s coveted benchland
- Classic Napa Valley Cabernet structure with refined polish
- Rich dark fruit, graphite, and subtle oak spice
- 14.2% alcohol for balance and age-worthiness
- A serious Cabernet made for collectors and steakhouse nights alike
A Rare Napa Reserve Merlot From Generational Vintage
The 2023 Vinium Reserve Merlot is a plush, deeply structured Napa Valley red built from the finest selected lots of an exceptional vintage.
This is a Merlot defined by richness, texture, and purity of fruit—enhanced by extended skin contact and careful small-lot fermentation.
Velvety, dark, and expressive, it delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy depth.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby-violet in the glass with near-opaque concentration.
Aromas of black plum, ripe blackberry, and dark cherry compote lead, followed by mocha, violets, cocoa, and subtle baking spice.
The palate is full-bodied and silky with layers of black fruit, espresso, and soft spice wrapped in polished tannins.
14 days of skin contact builds exceptional density and a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
The finish is long, warm, and structured with lingering dark fruit and chocolate notes.
Winemaking
Fruit is hand-harvested at peak ripeness and carefully sorted.
Fermentation is split between temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and small open-top bin fermenters, combining purity of fruit with structural complexity.
Extended average skin contact of 14 days prior to pressing enhances color, tannin integration, and texture.
The wine is then aged in French oak barrique (selection of premium Reserve barrels) before bottling unfined.
Vineyard & Terroir
Sourced from select Napa Valley vineyard blocks benefiting from a long, even 2023 growing season.
Cool winter rainfall followed by warm, stable summer conditions produced perfectly balanced fruit with concentrated flavors and refined tannins.
Napa’s alluvial soils and microclimates allow Merlot to achieve both plush texture and structural clarity in this vintage.
Technical Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Vintage | 2023 — One of the finest vintages of this century |
| Classification | Reserve |
| Varietal | Merlot (Reserve selection) |
| Harvest | Hand-harvested at peak physiological maturity |
| Fermentation | Tank & small bin fermenters — dual method |
| Skin Contact | Average 14 days prior to pressing |
| Alcohol | 14.6% by volume |
| pH | 3.68 |
| Total Acidity | 5.6 g/L |
| Residual Sugar | 0.3 g/L (Dry) |
| Total Production | 180 cases |
Frequently Asked Question
Perfect With…
Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes. The wine's plush texture and dark-fruit richness make it an exceptional companion for savory, slow-cooked meals and special occasions.
Why Collectors Love It
What the Experts Are Saying
Impressive aromatics of ripe black cherry, plum compote, cocoa powder, and graphite rise from the glass, accented by subtle cedar and baking spice. The palate reveals layered dark fruit, supple tannins, and a refined mineral backbone. Hints of mocha and sweet tobacco emerge through the mid-palate, leading to a smooth, composed finish with polished structure and quiet persistence.
Tasting notes reveal aromas of dried black cherry, cassis, nutmeg, and soft vanilla. The palate is rich yet composed, layering blackberry and plum skin with subtle oak nuance and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, polished, and seamlessly integrated.
With bright acidity and structured tannins framing dark berry and cocoa tones, the wine’s balanced weight and polished texture make it especially versatile at the table — ideal alongside roasted meats, herb-crusted lamb, or grilled steak.
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