2023 Bevan Cellars 'Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard' Proprietary Blend Napa Valley
This vintage has the "it" quality. An exceptional wine. Expressive bursts of blueberries, raspberries, and black currants meet subtle floral hints of violet. The tannins are bold and ripe, with fresh acidity adding lift. A beautifully complex and layered wine, it's drinking well now and will age into perfection. Blend of primarily Cabernet Franc and Merlot from the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in the southeast Napa hillside, an incredible vineyard source.
Jeb Dunnuck
Exotic red and black fruits, minty herbs, chocolate, and hints of iron define the aromatics of the 2023 Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Proprietary Red Wine, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot raised in new barrels. It's medium to full-bodied, has a deep, concentrated, yet focused mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, nicely integrated oak, and a great finish. This flawlessly balanced effort will drink well over the next 20+ years. Drink 2025-2045.
Vinous
The 2023 Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain is superb. Aromatic, deep and vibrant, the 2023 is a terrific wine from Russell Bevan. Brisk acids run through a core of dark blue/purplish fruit, new leather, incense, tobacco and dried herbs. Franc aromatics and acids, married with the richness of Merlot, work so well here. Graphite, dried herbs, chocolate, lavender and blood orange linger
Wine Advocate
The cool vintage has left its mark on Bevan's 2023 Proprietary Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain, leaving this Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend with notes of tomato leaf as well as ripe cherries and dried spices. It's still a super wine, full-bodied, silky and expansive on the palate yet exhibiting excellent focus and length on the finish.