Maxenti Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2023

Decanter : 94 Points

(7/23/2025) Fourth-generation vintner Steve Tonella’s first vintage, which involves crafting a proprietary red blend, aims to channel a New World Super Tuscan. The blend incorporates 8% Petite Verdot and 4% Aglianico, the latter sourced from St. Helena. Other fruit sources include Stags Leap and Rutherford. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel and aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak. This is a super-fragrant wine that stylistically falls between the Napa Cabernet and the Napa–Sonoma Cabernet blend, showing impressive grip and tension. Red fruit tones dominate—cherries, cherry skin, and plum—alongside underripe blackberries. Medium-bodied on the palate with sinewy tannins and lingering notes of crushed cocoa nibs, a hint of dried apricot, and even grapefruit zest. Drink now with everything from pasta and salads to roast chicken, and enjoy over the next 7–10 years with ease. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2038.