Praise For 2022 Cabernet Sauvignons

Wine scores are a respected benchmark in the industry, and we’re always honored when critics recognize the quality of our wines. They serve as a valued validation of the time, care, and precision we pour into every vintage. That said, scores don’t drive our winemaking philosophy. Our focus has always been — and will always be — crafting the best wines possible, year after year, guided by the vineyards, the vintage, and our commitment to excellence. When the hard work is met with high praise, it’s a rewarding reminder that our dedication is hitting its mark.

Earlier in the year, Kirk Venge sat down again to taste wines with Jonathan Cristaldi, the esteemed correspondent and wine writer for Decanter Magazine. The focus was Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2022 vintage. As Jonathan explained, those “looking for easygoing, approachable reds will find plenty to love in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon releases from Napa Valley. The 2022 Napa Cabs are predominantly fruit-forward, with red-toned fruit, sweet spices, sandalwood, supple tannins and slightly elevated alcohol. However, a small subset – mainly from cooler valley-floor sites and mountain appellations – lean toward black-toned fruit, savoury spices, balanced alcohol and more robust tannins.”

We are proud to share Jonathan’s reviews. Ten wines in total scored at least 94 points, and six of those received 96 points or above.

2022 Vintage Scores and Reviews

Reviewed by Jonathan Cristaldi

Decanter Magazine

B Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
A superb, silky and satiny expression. Bursts from the glass with rich red fruit tones intertwined with black and blue fruit nuances. Suave tannins lay a solid foundation, supporting the dark berry fruits, exotic spices and saline-mineral tension, while mocha notes and zesty blood orange peel bring further complexity. A true heartbreaker of a wine, its seamless polish and satiny texture defy the challenges of the late-season heat. Sourced from A, B and D Blocks of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, this underwent fermentation in a mix of stainless steel tanks and barrels before ageing for 22 months in 100% new French oak. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2036
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Bottle
Sourced from the iconic Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, this B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in 100% Taransaud and Darnajou barrels and fermented in open-top barrels with punchdowns 1-3 times daily for several weeks. A super-polished and stylish wine in 2022, it showcases satiny-soft tannins and silky blue-toned fruit, leading to an exceptionally long finish of espresso bean and saline-mineral tension. Dusty mineral notes mingle with sage, building on the full-bodied richness and layered depth – one of Kirk Venge’s best wines in 2022. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2036
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet Bottle
Sourced from Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper’s C and D Blocks, this B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. Lifted dusty minerality and wild herb aromatics intertwine with cherry blossom and dried floral notes, accentuated by sandalwood nuances. Lovely power and richness, with Bing cherry fruit leading into firm, elongated tannins, which carry through the palate with a crushed cocoa nib character on the lengthy finish. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035
From Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, just across the Silverado Trail from Upper Range and adjacent to Caymus, this vineyard sits on volcanic soils that have fallen from Pritchard Hill over millennia, interwoven with sedimentary river soils from the Napa River. Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, this typically tension-filled wine is more approachable in 2022, yet still pulses with coiled-up energy. Dark-toned fruits, black liquorice, black olive, and violets lead the way. At the same time, the full-bodied palate delivers deep concentration, a host of exotic Indian spices, scorched herbs, and pressed violets, with white pepper nuances and a zesty blood orange finish. Fresh, enticing, and impressively polished in this vintage. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035
Coming from Beckstoffer Las Piedras, this Cabernet Sauvignon leads with rich red berry fruits, layered with expressive cinnamon notes, sandalwood, and scorched thyme and rosemary character. The red fruit profile deepens on the palate, developing a ripening sweetness balanced by mineral intensity and fine, sappy tannins, all underscored by a spine of lacy acidity that enhances the wine’s elegance and length. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035

SOLD OUT

Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard Cabernet Bottle
Sourced from Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Block B, where vines are roughly 25 years old. In 2022, the wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, open-top barrel-fermented, and bottled unfiltered and unfined. The aromatics are lifted and vibrant, showcasing crunchy red-toned fruits intertwined with espresso bean nuances. The palate is energised by coiled-up tension, threading red berry fruits and expressive brown baking spices, all framed by a saline minerality that shapes both the fruit and tannin profile. The superfine, firm tannins support a structured yet elegant finish, with lingering notes of white pepper and rose petals. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035
Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon
From the Stagecoach Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a dramatic precipice known as F3, a block exclusively sourced by B Cellars. Aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak, this red-toned, muscular wine has sinewy tannins that weave together a long, textured tapestry, supporting plump, juicy red berry fruit. Saline-acid tension and crunchy blue fruit add vibrancy to the lengthy finish. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035
Star Vineyard Cabernet Bottle
Lovely aromatics of bay laurel and crunchy wild herbs, intertwined with red currant fruit and rich unsmoked tobacco notes. The silky, rich fruit is complemented by a lush mid-palate, framed by sinewy tannins, leading to a long, structured finish of espresso bean and crushed cocoa nibs. Sourced entirely from Star Vineyards, this wine has been crafted by winemaker Kirk Venge since 2004. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2035
Kenefick Bottle
Sourced from Kenefick Ranch in Calistoga, this wine was aged 22 months in 80% new French oak. A full-throttle powerhouse, it showcases excellent concentration and saline mineral tension, nuanced by fragrant cedarwood character. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers expressive red- and black-toned fruits, with a freshness reminiscent of biting into a crunchy Fuji apple, cherry, or pomegranate seed. Layers of violets and white pepper nuances add further complexity, leading to a long, structured finish.  – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2034
Alluring dark berry fruit, layered with rich wild herb notes, espresso bean nuances, and perfumed rose petals. This full-bodied wine builds with fine-grained, suave tannins that support plump, juicy dark-toned fruits, finishing with sweet spice, dark salted chocolate, and dusty wild herbs on the lengthy, structured finish. Super dense and perfumed, this is an impressive wine for such a challenging, warm vintage. Winemaker Kirk Venge prefers warm fermentations, and in 2022, the wine was aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak, then bottled unfined and unfiltered. – Jonathan Cristaldi
Drink 2025-2034