Matthiasson "Village" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

The nose shows abundant red fruits, lots of bright cherry along with bramble-berries, such as blackberry, cranberry, mulberry and framed with hints of mineral/herbal characters such as graphite, cedar, pencil shavings and subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and structured, showing both red and black fruits like blackberry and cranberry with notes of cedar and graphite, with bright acidity and finely grained tannins keeping everything lifted and refreshing. It finishes with just a kiss of oak barrel spice. A Cabernet that drinks beautifully young but will evolve gracefully. A throwback to when Napa Cabs were about elegance as much as power.

Matthiasson is known for crafting elegant, old-school Napa wines that prioritize balance over power, and the Village Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly reflects this philosophy. Sourced from cooler vineyard sites, this bottling is inspired by the approachable, bistro-style Cabs of the past — fresh, vibrant and designed for versatility rather than sheer opulence.

The fruit was hand harvested in small lots and fermented with native yeast. It was punched down or pumped over only twice per day. Matthiasson doesn't strive for a high rate of extraction, instead choosing to preserve the freshness and high-toned aromatics. The wine was aged for 20 months in mostly used barrels with a few new barrels included for spice — it is a Napa Valley Cabernet after all. 1667 cases produced.

Steve Matthiasson is a living legend on the California wine scene. A coveted consulting winemaker on numerous prestigious projects, it’s astounding that he still has time to own and operate his own estate. Steve and his family manage multiple vineyards in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County with a focus on sustainability. This is the first bottling of their "Village" Cabernet, a blend of grapes from six of their vineyards to make what they describe as an honest Cabernet for drinking, not cellaring.