The Amoenus Vineyard was planted in the western hills of Calistoga near the base of Mount St. Helena and extending toward Knights Valley in the late 1990s. Known for producing robust tannins, this site requires extended barrel ageing to soften its structure. Winemaker Sam Kaplan ages this wine for 30 months in 80% new French oak. For the 2022 vintage, he harvested some fruit before the major heat dome settled over the valley and some afterwards, achieving remarkable balance. This wine is super expressive and polished. Full-bodied, it features a firm foundation of extravagant, long, and seamless tannins, framing blue-toned fruit nuanced with tobacco, sage, and white pepper. Beautiful layered notes of lavender and lilac add aromatic complexity, while hints of rich mocha and crushed cocoa nibs provide depth. Its opulence is perfectly balanced by a fresh undercurrent, delivering both power and refinement. (JC)

From a western Calistoga site that gets some cooling influence through the Knights Valley-Chalk Hill Gap, Arkenstone's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Vineyard exhibits a lovely fresh-fruit character consisting of ripe cherries, plus hints of thyme and sage and nicely absorbed oak. It's full-bodied and rich, with lush layers of soft, enveloping tannins and great length on the finish. (JC)

Deep, rich red and blue fruits, new leather, loamy earth, and incense notes define the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Vineyard. Still not yet bottled, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon spent 30 months in 80% new French oak and delivers a full-bodied, beautifully textured profile with ripe, layered concentration and a seamless finish. It should benefit from just a few years in the cellar. 94-96+