2022 Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from the storied west side of Oakville, where mature 25-year-old vines take root in rocky soils, the 2022 Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon embodies both power and poise. This prized site is naturally shielded from Napa’s most intense afternoon sun, allowing fruit to linger longer on the vine, building depth, balance, and finely-woven tannins.

On the nose, a dark tapestry of wild berries, black currant, and earthy mushroom is enriched by new leather, sweet cigar notes, and the evocative scent of a wet forest floor. The palate is at once lively and layered, unfurling in waves of fruit and earth with a structure that is well-knit and enduring. Its beautiful length carries through to a finish of elegance and quiet strength.

A Cabernet of depth and mystique, Holy Smoke captures the essence of Oakville: abundant, enduring, and timeless as the goddess herself.

Crossroads Ranch Vineyard, Oakville AVA, Napa Valley

The Fish Friendly Farming-certified Crossroads Vineyard sits in the heart of the Oakville appellation at the approximate center and widest part of Napa Valley. It derives its name in part from the smoke-like fog that lingers above the vines on summer mornings, lifting gradually as the sun heats the valley floor. The Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a single, 3.3-acre block in the vineyard planted to Cabernet Clone 4. Bordering the seasonal Conn Creek, the soils here are a combination of Riverwash and Yolo loam. The synergy between clone and soils yields a beautifully-structured, mouth-filling Cabernet.

Immediately after hand harvesting, the grapes for our 2022 Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon were given a 3-day cold soak to extract color, tannin and flavor from the fruit. The juice fermented in small stainless steel tanks and was transferred to French oak barrels – 70% new - for eighteen months prior to bottling.

The 2022 vintage will be remembered for a growing season that was near ideal, with abundant early-season rains and excellent spring and summer weather, culminating in what many vintners called "the tale of two harvests." The white wine harvest kicked off in early August, followed quickly by red wine varietals. But triple-digit heat over five days in early September - followed by a spate of rain - brought harvest to a sudden halt. After the rain, grapes were left to hang through October, with mild weather that allowed winemakers to await perfect ripeness. Although the harvest was challenging, winemakers describe 2022 wines as having perfect acidity and freshness with remarkable flavors and textures. Red wines show excellent structure with deep red colors, luxurious tannins and exquisite fruit-forward aromatics.

Our Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons are crafted in limited quantities to reflect the unique character of each vineyard site—and are first offered exclusively to members of our Preferred Palate Wine Club. As one of our most coveted allocations, these wines rarely make it beyond the club. To experience these site-driven expressions of Napa Valley at their debut, we invite you to explore membership and discover what it means to be part of the inner circle, learn more.