Courtier California 2023 Cabernet Franc Calistoga Napa Valley

The Courtier California 2023 Cabernet Franc Calistoga Napa Valley is a striking expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc that highlights both the warmth of Calistoga and the grape’s natural elegance. Rich yet vibrant, the wine combines ripe red- and black-fruit character with savory herbs, cocoa, and mineral tension. Cabernet Franc thrives in Calistoga’s warmer conditions, and the 2023 vintage shows why—delivering depth, balance, and aromatic complexity. With a strong 94-point score from Decanter, it stands out as a polished Napa Valley red that pairs both power and finesse.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This wine is sourced from Calistoga, the northernmost appellation of Napa Valley known for its warm climate and volcanic soils. These conditions allow Cabernet Franc to ripen fully while preserving freshness, producing wines with both richness and bright natural acidity.

The Courtier 2023 Cabernet Franc is produced from fruit grown on vines approximately 15 years old, planted on the Calistoga valley floor between Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. The vineyard’s location provides warm daytime temperatures balanced by cooler evening air, promoting full ripeness without sacrificing structure.

Key production elements include:

• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Fermentation: small-lot stainless steel fermentation
• Maturation: aging in approximately 75% new French oak barrels
• Alcohol: about 15.6% ABV
• Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley

The winemaking approach emphasizes Cabernet Franc’s aromatic lift while allowing the oak program to add structure, spice, and depth.

Critics Reviews

Decanter – 94 Points

Decanter awards the 2023 Courtier Cabernet Franc Calistoga 94 points, noting that Cabernet Franc excels in Calistoga’s warmer conditions, particularly in the cooler 2023 growing season where it ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon while retaining bright acidity.

Decanter describes the wine as showing pure red and black fruit—cherry and blackberry—alongside spiced Santa Rosa plum notes, with cedar wood spice, slate-like minerality, sagebrush, and crushed cocoa nibs adding depth and complexity. The wine’s plump tannins and layered structure make it both approachable and age-worthy, with a suggested drinking window of 2025–2035.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Cherry, blackberry, Santa Rosa plum, cedar spice, violet, and wild sage.

Palate
Full-bodied with layers of red and black fruit, cocoa nibs, baking spice, and mineral tension supported by plush tannins.

Finish
Long and structured with slate minerality, herbal complexity, and lingering dark fruit.

Quick Overview

Recommended Service

Serving Temperature:
Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C).

Decanting:
Decant for 45–60 minutes to open the aromatics and soften the tannins.

Food Pairings:
Excellent with grilled steak, lamb chops, herb-roasted pork, or hearty tomato-based pasta dishes.