2023 Amici Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon

97points

James Suckling

“superb structure and length”

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 2023 Cimarossa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by its classic Howell Mountain power and remarkable precision. Aromas of iron, smoky BBQ, fresh rosemary, and a bouquet of vibrant herbs rise from the glass, evoking the wild, untamed character of the mountain. The palate is tight and structured yet impressively polished, delivering waves of blue fruit layered with savory, umami-driven complexity. The tannins are refined and well-integrated, framing the wine with a sense of elegance that belies its mountain origins. This wine’s structure and depth suggest it will reward patience and cellaring, making it a standout expression of Howell Mountain terroir.

Vintage
2023
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

97points

James Suckling

Blackberries, terra-cotta, al dente fruit and hints of rose stem join dark earth and dust. Full-bodied, this has superb structure and length with chewy tannins and a crunchy finish. Real Howell Mountain fruit is showing here. Drink or hold.

97points

Decanter

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Cimarossa Vineyard and aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. The vines were planted in 1998 and are a mix of Clone 2 and Clone 337. From Howell Mountain, the wine shows a notably elegant profile, framed by expressive cedarwood, tobacco, sagebrush, and subtle bay laurel notes. Pulverised rocky minerality underpins inky dark fruit, with crushed stone and rich earth tones building through the palate. The tannins are well managed – round, plush, elongated, and polished – carrying the wine to a refined finish.

97points

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

The 2023 Cimarossa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, powerful notes of crème de cassis and plum preserves storm from the glass, leading to hints of charcoal, sautéed herbs, black pepper, and tilled soil. The full-bodied palate delivers a firm, grainy texture with great tension and a shimmery finish.

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