AXR Napa Valley AXR Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine 2022 750ml

While the 2021 Proprietary Red could be released as a Cabernet Sauvignon (it's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon), they've opted to keep it as a Proprietary blend to allow for more flexibility in the future. It has a great nose of juicy blue fruits and subtle cassis as well as medium to full-bodied richness, some textbook Cabernet chocolate and tobacco notes, a round, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length. It's a beautiful wine that will evolve for 10-12 years.

AXR’s 2021 Proprietary Red has aromas defined by notes of crushed stone and dried herbs. Yes, they’re backed by decent blackberry fruit, but this wine may prove a touch too herbal for some. Otherwise, this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot is full-bodied and rather chunky in feel, yet it finishes silky and satisfying. (Joe Czerwinski)