Caterwaul Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml

Product Info

91-93pts Wine Advocate
Assuming pricing remains stable, Caterwaul's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley—a 14,000-case blend this year—should remain one of the valley's greatest values. Boasting wonderful purity of fruit—black cherries and cassis—plus floral-herbal nuances, it's full-bodied, rich and velvety, maybe a bit open-knit but flavorful and structured, with a lasting finish. Drink Date: 2026 - 2035

Caterwaul is a partnership between Thomas Rivers Brown and Matt Hardin, a vineyard manager whose family has holdings in Pope Valley. The blended Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the region's top values, and the single-vineyard wines are evocative of their respective origins. TRB was introduced to Phelan Ranch by Russell Bevan and is now making a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon off that site. Published: Jun 12, 2025 Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Terroir & Vineyard
This 2023 bottling of Caterwaul’s Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon comes from old-vine blocks located in the southeast corner of Sonoma County, just over the border from Napa County and tucked into the shadow of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are described as gravelly loam with excellent drainage and a sense of place that allows the Cabernet vines to express both power and refinement.

Winemaking
Was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak (~50% new) demonstrating the project’s consistent approach to oak-ageing, structure and refinement. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon crafted to balance character, depth and approachability.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby with violet hues, showing youthful vibrancy and concentration.
• Nose: Opens with expressive red and black fruit—cassis, dark cherry—along with notes of red licorice, cedar, dried herbs and a fresh violet lift. There is also a subtle graphite or mineral thread on the finish.
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush yet structured. The mid-palate gives rich dark fruit framed by fine, slightly chewy tannins. Flavours of blackcurrant, dark plum, and hints of baking chocolate or mocha emerge, balanced by a clean lift of fresh sage or herb. The finish is long and layered.
• Structure & Ageing: With its firm tannin frame and balance of fruit and earth, this wine is ready for near-term enjoyment but has the backbone to evolve over the next 5-8 years in proper cellaring.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: Serve around 16-18 °C (60-64 °F). A 30-minute decant is recommended if opened young.
• Food pairings:
• Grilled rib-eye or New York strip with cracked pepper and herb butter.
• Braised short ribs or lamb shank with rosemary garlic jus.
• Mushroom and truffle risotto, or wild-mushroom ragù pasta.
• Hard matured cheeses such as aged Manchego or Comté, and rich charcuterie plates.