Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Patent Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oak Knoll District, one of Napa Valley’s cooler AVAs. This sub-AVA is often called the “sweet spot” for Cabernet because of its moderate climate, producing wines that balance ripe fruit with elegance and freshness. Patent Wines focuses on small-lot production, emphasizing purity of varietal character and terroir-driven expression.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose bursts with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark cherry, layered with cocoa, cedar, and graphite. Subtle hints of violet, dried sage, and vanilla spice add complexity. On the palate, the wine delivers lush cassis, plum, and black cherry, framed by espresso and tobacco accents.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and lively acidity. The structure is firm yet refined, leading into a long, balanced finish of dark fruit, oak spice, and a whisper of minerality.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested fruit from carefully chosen Oak Knoll vineyard blocks. Aged in French oak barrels (with a balanced mix of new and neutral) for 18–20 months to refine texture and integrate flavors while preserving vibrancy.

Food Pairing
A natural partner for grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, or braised short ribs. For a simpler pairing, aged cheddar or mushroom risotto work beautifully.

Verdict
A thoughtful Napa Cabernet that combines ripeness with restraint — Oak Knoll’s signature style. The 2022 vintage drinks well now after a decant but shows the structure to develop gracefully over the next decade. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark, glass-clinging amethyst purple with opaque black core. Initially shy but inviting nose of blackberry, echoed on the medium full plate which adds notes of licorice, dark plum, and patent leather. Juicy, medium plus acidity enhancers the fruit and, paired with medium tannins, yields a very food-friendly Syrah that's a natural for steaks, roasts, or grilled fare. Try it with black olive pizza! Drink now through 2028. — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Neon red in color with a wide pinkish rim. Pretty color.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate, elegant and rich.

Showing strawberries, raspberries, wild flowers, red apples, citrus, spices and minerals.

Long finish with tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel.

This Single Vineyard is good right out of the bottle, easy drinking and good as a sipping wine. Good by itself and good for parties.

A small production of less than 1,200 bottles.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$33. — 3 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Pale lemon in color with green hue.

Nose of citrus, green apples, light gooseberries and spices.

Medium bodied with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with limes, grapefruits, citrus, green apples, spices, herbs, light earth and white pepper.

Tangy finish with limes and grapefruits.

This is a very tasty Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley. Crisp and refreshing.

The alcohol is nicely integrated, elegant and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel.

I've had a few vintages of this wine, and the 2022 vintage was my favorite so far.

Good right out of the bottle, and good by itself or with food. Will pair nicely with fresh oysters.

A blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc grapes with a touch of Semillion and Muscat.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45. — 8 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark garnet purple. Funkily inviting nose of brambly montmorency cherry, dark cranberry, and currant (red & black). Echoed on the medium full palate which adds dark raspberry and a hint of patent leather. All supported by medium plus acidity and wrapped in velvety medium plus tannins. Finish is long and continues the entire palate along with those tannins. Rustic without the earth best describes this affordable and food-friendly Lebanese red. Rustic-inspired (I chose shepherd's pie) or Mediterranean fare will naturally pair. Drink now through 2030. — 2 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Transparent garnet red. Violets and black cherries on the abundant nose. Medium full palate confirms the nose, adding hints of patent leather and medium light dusty tannins. Medium acidity from entry to moderate finish. Easy-drinking entry point into Barolo's less assertive twin. Take it anywhere you'd take a midrange Burgundy or premium Tuscan. Drink now through 2028. — 2 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark purple with near black core. Abundant nose of brambly blackberry. Juicy, medium palate conforms the nose adding peppery red apple and new patent leather. Medium plus acidity and medium tannins make the wine lighter on its feet than the color and nose portend. Finish is moderately short and continues the palate. A grape not often heard from on its own takes center stage as a lithe Spanish red with complexity for meals with complex flavors from hearty meats and stews to salmon and paella. Drink now through 2028. — 3 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.4

What a fascinating Rhone blend, from a far south appellation and vigneron I’ve never encountered. Given the 18years of bottle age plus pre release, some serious stuffing- especially at 15% abv- but really presents more like a fresh, slightly funky northern Rhone, ie, Syrah. Like George Clooney in ballet shoes, but truly graceful. Deep black fruits, some gaminess & feral qualities. Apparently the maker subscribes to such a higher order of biodynamics that he holds a patent on it. Finish fairly long & satisfying. Paired with the main courses of a modern Korean tasting menu, including roast duck. Doesn’t have to be a unicorn to be enjoyed, but this one is. Very special. Rosenthal book. — a year ago

with Owen

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark garnet. Inviting nose and medium full palate of black currant, black cherry, and a hint of patent leather mid palate to finish. Solid, medium plus acidity. Medium tannins. And that finish is fairly long, even cutting through pasta with tomato sauce. An excellent entree into Bolgheri: Cabernet-led but still squarely in the Italian mold. Drink now through 2030 with classic Cabernet or Italian fare. — 2 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.2

100% Mourvèdre. Dark, glass clinging purple red with opaque black core. Big, bosomy nose of patent leather. Dark, full-bodied palate yields all of that patent leather plus slightly tart black fruit (my dinner partner says blackberry). Assertive but supple tannins from entry. Long, dreamy finish. French and Mediterranean fare are naturals. Drink now through 2047. — 2 years ago