Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

92 POINTS

Jonathan Cristaldi - Decanter

Winemaker Kristy Melton notes that all estate fruit is now certified organic and regenerative, and she has continued to refine the winemaking approach. Beginning with the previous vintage, Melton shortened the oak aging period for the Napa-tier Cabernet Sauvignon from 24–30 months to 18–20 months. Starting with the 2022 vintage, all single-vineyard wines will also be bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2022 Cabernet reflects the ripe, juicy dark-fruit profile of the warm vintage, with layers of blue fruit compote and kirsch. On the palate, it’s plush and satiny, with impressive depth of fruit, plump, fine-grained tannins, and a long fig-laced finish. Approachable now, but structured enough to evolve beautifully over the next decade. Aged 20 months in 47% new French oak.

92 POINTS

Jim Gordon - JamesSuckling.com

Bright aromas, ripe flavors, a full body but rather light tannins give this wine an easy drinkability. Red cherries and sunny strawberries on the nose, then a palate of good acidity with fresh red currants and light baking spices. Blended in are 8% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% merlot.

90 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Volumes of the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley are close to what they were in 2021, about 11,000 cases. Sourced from estate vineyards and purchased fruit, this vintage contains a bit more mountain fruit and stuff from southern Napa, according to winemaker Kristy Melton. Cedar and mocha shadings accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft and velvety. Forward and probably not meant for the cellar, this is still a tasty wine, with just a hint of dried fruit on the finish.