2023 Burgess Cellars - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Contadina (750ml)

Burgess Cellars is based in Deer Park on Napa Valley's Howell Mountain, where its two estate vineyards sit on hillside terrain that represents only about 4% of Napa acreage. Cabernet Sauvignon has been the flagship grape since the winery's beginnings in 1972, and Meghan Zobeck has served as winemaker since 2020.

Contadina is Burgess's approachable Napa Valley Cabernet, made from vineyards farmed to rigorous organic standards. The 2023 blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The winemaker describes the wine as balanced yet lively, and it delivers notable quality for its price. Fruit-driven and polished, it is made to be enjoyed young but has the structure to be held.

Ripe blackcurrant and lush red cherry lead the way, joined by herbal notes of sage, mint, and sweet tobacco, along with dried flowers, coffee bean, and graphite. The palate is mid-weighted, with fine-boned, rounded tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with a juicy finesse that makes this a polished, easy-to-love Napa Cabernet.