Comprised of clones 191 and 08, this 100% Cabernet bottling is part of the Vineyard Project bottlings from Cadence, when a varietal bottling, rather than a blend, makes itself worthy of its own label. Fruit driven on the nose as ripe berries and cherry flesh frame hints of dusty rose petal and church candle. Poised and intense on the palate. Taut berries, savoury notes of pine and hibiscus tea are given over to dried lavender, desert sage and a lingering stony minerality that finishes fresh and driven.

The 100% varietal 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cara Mia Vineyard is all about balance and grace, with a spicy, medium-bodied approach that captures the concentrated berry fruit and bright acidity in good measure. Seamless on the palate, it practically glides in cedar, earth, and lovely texture, building to a savory, mineral-driven finish of tobacco and clove. This is a pretty, juicy, and impressive wine that’s drinking beautifully now and should keep going through 2040.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cara Mia Vineyard mixes violet and lavender tones with dusty stone, hints of orange zest and crushed blackberries. It is cool-toned and sleek, with polished red and blue fruits contrasted by zesty acidity as crunchy mineral tones add tactile depth. This tapers off youthfully tense and tightly knit, leaving a citrus twang and nuances of liquid stone. Have patience with this young beauty.- Eric Guido

(93+ points) The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cara Mia was matured for 15 months in 50% new French oak. It has intense aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant, graphite, garrigue and violet. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound at this stage with mineral-driven flavors and ripe yet muscular tannins. It’s balanced by juicy acidity and has a long, graphite-laced finish. It will benefit from time in the cellar. 350 cases were made.- EB