2022 Amici Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon

96points

James Suckling

“Juicy, fresh and drinkable”

Vineyard Notes

Cimarossa Vineyard is the first vineyard in the Amici portfolio to come from the Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley. The vineyard’s name is a nod to owner Dino Dina’s Italian heritage, as well as the site’s volcanic terroir, as Cimarossa translates to “Red Hilltop” in Italian. Planted in 1997, the vineyard’s 15 planted acres range in elevation from 1600-2100 ft and produce vines with small berries with concentrated flavors.

Winemaking Notes

The 2022 Cimarossa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by its mountain intensity and freshness. Aromas of currant bud, red fruit, herb de Provence, black pepper, blackberry purée, and blueberry pie filling leap from the glass. The palate is powerful and mineral-driven, with crushed rock, loam, fresh red fruits, wintergreen, and Bing cherry. This wine’s structure and energy suggest it will be the longest-lived in the lineup.

Vintage
2022
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard
Cimarossa
Appellation
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol
14.8%
Fermentation & Aging
100% Stainless Steel fermentation; Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels

Reviews

96points

James Suckling

Quite intense, minerally and spice-driven, with intricate complexity and satisfying black fig, blackcurrant and cocoa flavors. Very well balanced, firm in acidity but still juicy, fresh and drinkable. Drink or hold.

95points

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cimarossa Vineyard is also beautiful, with some classic Howell Mountain wildness in its black and blue fruit as well as iron, coffee, sappy green herbs, tobacco, and darker chocolate nuances. It’s one of the deeper hued releases in the lineup, and it’s medium to full-bodied and balanced, with ripe tannins and a beautiful finish. I love it today, but this should have a solid 15 years of prime drinking given its structure and concentration, both of which are impressive in the vintage.

94points

Vinous

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cimarossa is one of the most complete of the wines from Amici this year. Graphite, lavender, white pepper, iron and red-toned fruit all grace this intensely mineral/savory Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a ton of Howell Mountain character, albeit in the smaller-scaled style of the year. This is commendable.

Purchase